IC-NRLF 


B    3    320   032 


.IOLOGY 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 


Biology  Library 

BEQUEST  OF 

Theodore  S.   Palmer 


MEADOWLARK 

Order— PASSERES  Family— ICTERIOB 

Genus— S TURN  ELLA  Species— MAGNA 

National  Association  of  Audubon  Societies 


South  Dakota 
Geological  and  Natural  History  Survey 

Freeman  Ward,  State  Geologist 

Bulletin  9 


BIRDS 

OF 

SOUTH  DAKOTA 


By 

William  H.  <3ver  and 
Craig  S.  Thorns 


Series  XXI  March  1920  No.  9 

Bulletin 
University  of  South  Dakota 

Entered  as  second-class  matter,  May  3,  19O2,  at  the  Post  Office  at 
Vermillion,  South,  under  Act  of  July  16,  1894. 


PREFACE 


Effort  has  been  made  in  this  bulletin  to  obtain  as  com- 
plete a  list  of  South  Dakota  birds  as  possible.  In  all,  322  species 
and  subspecies  have  been  recorded.  With  few  exceptions  these 
are  represented  in  the  University  Museum  collections  at  Ver- 
million. 

There  is  perhaps  no  State  in  the  Union  where  bird  study 
is  more  perplexing  than  in  South  Dakota.  From  east  to  west 
the  State  embraces  birds  of  woods,  prairie  and  mountains.  The 
range  of  many  birds  is  constantly  moving  westward,  and  this 
causes  variation  in  the  migrating  routes  of  many  species.  The 
Black  Hills,  lying  only  a  little  apart  from  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
are  apt  to  be  visited  occasionally  by  western  species. 

From  south  to  north,  likewise,  both  trees  and  latitude 
affect  the  bird  problem.  The  Missouri  River  with  its  wooded 
banks  and  ravines,  traversing  the  middle  of  the  State,  provides 
conditions  which  attract  some  species  farther  north  than  they 
would  otherwise  come.  But  for  this  fact  we  probably  would  not 
have  the  beautiful  Western  Blue  Grosbeak  within  our  borders. 
Birds  from  farther  east  and  south  also,  such  as  Cardinals  and 
Wood  Thrushes,  follow  the  growing  trees  into  South  Dakota. 
Many  birds  are  found  in  the  southern  part  of  the  State  which 
are  never  seen  in  the  northern  part ;  and  some  birds  which  form- 
erly nested  in  South  Dakota  no  longer  do  so. 

So  numerous,  therefore,  are  the  changes  going  on  in  bird 
life  within  the  State  that  observations  which  were  made  a  few 
years  ago  may  not  be  accurate  today  and  observations  made  to- 
day may  not  be  accurate  tomorrow. 

The  authors  desire  to  acknowledge  their  indebtedness 
particularly  to  the  late  Dr.  Elliott  Coues  and  to  Mr.  Frank  M. 
Chapman,  with  whose  works  their  own  observations  have  been 
diligently  compared;  and  to  Mr.  H.  C.  Oberholser  and  Mr.  A. 


554 


H.  Howell  of  the  United  States  Biological  Survey,  for  determin- 
ing species.  Credit  is  given  to  other  observers  in  the  body  of  the 
text. 

They  desire  also  to  acknowledge  the  kindness  of  various 
magazines  in  allowing  the  use  of  photographs  previously  used  in 
illustrating  articles  by  the  authors. 

The  number  with  which  the  description  of  each  bird  be- 
gins is  the  one  assigned  to  it  by  the  American  Ornithologist 
Union  (third  and  last  edition),  and  is  convenient  for  reference 
to  other  works. 

The  authors  have  not  attempted  to  give  full  descriptions 
of  the  birds  but  only  so  much  as  seemed  necessary  for  identifica- 
tion. For  more  complete  descriptions  they  refer  the  observer  to 
the  principal  works  mentioned  in  the  attached  bibliography. 


CONTENTS 


PLATE  OF  WESTERN  MEADOWLARK Frontispiece 

PREFACE 5 

LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 8 

REGENTS  OF  EDUCATION 10 

SURVEY  STAFF 10 

LETTER  OF  TRANSMITTAL 11 

PART  I 

The  Importance  of  Bird  Study 14 

Bird  Houses 17 

The  Bird  Bath 19 

The  Food  Box 20 

How  Birds  Work  for  Us 22 

Bird  Enemies   24 

Protective  Coloration 28 

Changes  of  Plumage 32 

Bird  Migration   34 

PART  II 

List  and  Description  of  Birds  of  South  Dakota 43 

PART  III 

Bibliography    139 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 


Facing 
Page 

Male  Bluebird  at  Nest •  •  14 

A  Well  Made  Wren  House  Covered  With  Bark 18 

A  Rough  Box  Used  for  a  Wren's  Nest 18 

The  Robin  Taking  a  Bath 19 

Rose-brested  Grosbeak  Taking  a  Drink 19 

Hairy  Woodpecker  at  Window  Sill  Food  Box 21 

Downy  Woodpecker  at  Food  Box 21 

White-breasted  Nuthatch 27 

Brown  Creeper 27 

Northern  Flicker 27 

Chickadee   27 

A  Chewink's  Nest  with  Two  Enemy  Cowbird's  Eggs 39 

A  Yellow-breasted  Chat's  Nest  with  Five  Enemy  Cowbird's 

Eggs    39 

Black  Terns  in  Migration 48 

Colony  Nests  of  the  Black-crowned  Night  Heron 48 

Western  Mourning  Dove's  Nest 52 

Brown  Thrasher's   Nest 52 

Mallard  Duck's  Nest 52 

Marsh  Hawk's  Nest 52 

Rough-legged  Hawk  62 

Red-shouldered  Hawk 62 

Burrowing  Owl  by  Her  Nest 93 

Kingbird  Watching  for  Flies 93 

Young  Wood  Thrushes 93 

Young  Bronzed  Crackle 93 

Blue  Jay  Watching  for  Insects 95 


Facing 
Page 

Catbird , 95 

Holes  Made  by  Woodpeckers  Drilling  for  Borers .^  . . .  95 

Downy  Woodpecker   95 

Roibn's  Nest   101 

Two  Female  Baltimore  Orioles  at  the  Bath 101 

Red-Winged  Blackbird's   Nest 106 

Nest  of  Yellow-headed  Blackbird 106 

Western  Meadowlark  on  Nest 106 

Western  Meadowlark's  Nest   106 

Orchard  Oriole's  Nest 108 

Baltimore  Oriole's  Nest  108 

Goldfinch  and  Her  Young 112 

Male  Bluebird  Feeding  His  Mate 112 

Young   Baltimore   Orioles 1 16 

Young  Rose-breasted  Grosbeaks 116 

Nest  of  Bell's  Vireo 119 

Blue  Jay's  Nest  and  Young 119 

Young  Chewink   123 

Young  Yellow  Warblers 123 

Young  Brown  Thrasher 123 

Young  Robin   123 

White-breasted  Nuthatch  at  Food  Box 127 

Phoebe's  Nest  Under  a  Bridge 127 

Wood  Thrush  on  Nest 133 

Yellow-billed  Cuckoo  on  Nest.,  .133 


REGENTS  OF  EDUCATION 


T.  W.  DWIGHT Sioux  Falls 

AUGUST  FRIEBERG Beresford 

FREDERICK  A.  SPAFFORD Flandreau 

J.  O.  JOHNSON Watertown 

ALVIN  WAGGONER Philip 

OFFICERS 

T.  W.  DWIGHT,  President Sioux  Falls 

AUGUST  FRIEBERG,  Vice-President Beresford 

HELEN  H.  GAMBLE,  Secretary Frederick 

W.  S.  O'BRIEN,  Treasurer  ex-officio,  State  Treasurer Pierre 


SURVEY  STAFF 


FREEMAN  WARD,  State  Geologist Univ.  of  S.  Dak.,  Vermillion 

WILLIAM  HENRY  OVER,  Naturalist Univ.  of  S.  Dak.,  Vermillion 

WALTER  CARL  TOEPELMAN,  Geologist.  .Univ.  of  S.  Dak.,  Vermillion 


LETTER  OF  TRANSMITTAL 


Vermillion,  S.  Dak. 

March  21,  1921. 
Hon.  T.  W.  Dwight,  President, 
State  Board  of  Regents. 

Dear  Sir: 

To  meet  a  very  insistent  demand  for  ac- 
curate information  concerning  the  birds  of  the 
State  the  accompanying  bulletin  on  the  "Birds 
of  South  Dakota"  has  been  prepared.  I  here- 
with submit  this,  as  Bulletin  9  of  our  Survey 
publications. 

Mr.  William  H.  Over,  as  a  permanent 
member  of  our  Survey  staff,  has  been  investi- 
gating and  collecting  birds  all  over  the  State 
for  many  years.  Dr.  Craig  S.  Thorns,  Profes- 
sor of  Sociology  at  the  University,  has  always 
been  a  keen  observer  and  enthusiastic  student 
of  the  feathered  tribe.  This  joint  authorship 
has  resulted  in  a  very  fine  product.  I  am  sorry 
to  say  that  lack  of  funds  allowed  by  the  Legis- 
lature for  Survey  work  has  limited  the  num- 
ber and  character  of  illustrations  used. 
Respectfully, 
FREEMAN  WARD, 

State  Geologist 


PART  I 
BIRD  STUDY 


14  BIRDS   OF    SOUTH   DAKOTA 

THE  IMPORTANCE  OF  BIRD  STUDY 


The  study  of  birds  is  of  the  utmost  importance  for  every 
young  person,  for  youth  is  full  of  superabounding  energy,  which 
must  be  expended  in  one  direction  or  another.  Any  study  that 
takes  one  to  woods  and  fields  is  not  only  a  source  of  interest  but 
of  health,  and  not  only  a  present  joy  but  also  a  delightful  future 
memory.  There  are  few  experiences  that  we  remember  with 
greater  pleasure  in  after  years  than  our  youthful  field  rambles 
with  some  friend  or  chum. 

The  study  of  either  birds  or  flowers  is  an  open  door  to 
Nature's  secrets.  It  leads  us  into  sympathetic  companionship 
with  every  living  thing,  and  this  is  a  bubbling  spring  of  interest, 
rest  and  joy.  We  weary  of  work  and  we  tire  of  people,  but 
whoever  is  intelligently  sympathetic  with  Nature  never  tires  of 
her  companionship. 

The  writers  always  go  on  vacation  in  summer  with  a  bird 
book,  a  flower  book,  a  tree  book,  a  field  glass  and  a  camera.  On 
these  trips  they  have  met  all  sorts  of  people,  some  interested  in 
every  tree,  bush,  flower  and  bird,  as  well  as  in  hunting  and 
fishing.  These  interested  people  always  have  a  good  day 
whether  or  not  game  is  taken  or  fish  is  caught.  Others  are 
dead  to  Nature;  they  know  nothing  of  trees,  bushes,  flowers, 
or  birds,  and  have  no  interest  in  them :  they  usually  return  dis- 
appointed and  angry  at  night  if  fishing  or  hunting  is  poor. 

It  is  of  little  use  to  go  to  woods  and  fields  unless  one  sees 
and  is  alive  to  what  one  sees.  Simply  the  rotation  of  the  sea- 
sons is  a  delight  to  every  nature  student.  The  first  Robin,  Blue- 
bird and  Meadowlark  are  old  friends  come  back  again  and  he 
actually  feels  the  joy  of  renewed  companionship.  When  apples 
are  in  blossom  he  looks  for  the  many-colored  Warblers  to  fill 
the  trees  and  is  never  disappointed ;  he  counts  the  days  until  he 
shall  hear  the  songs  of  Wood  Thrush,  Catbird  and  Oriole  or,  if 
he  is  on  the  prairie,  of  the  Bobolink  and  Lark  Bunting.  He 
becomes  the  guardian  and  helper  to  Bluebirds  and  Wrens  by 
providing  them  with  nesting  houses,  and  his  bird  bath  brings 
under  his  observation  all  the  different  feathered  folk  in  the 
neighborhood.  He  watches  the  two  bird  processions  meet  in 


MALE  BLUEBIRD  AT  NEST 


BIRD  STUDY  15 

the  arrival  of  the  Robins  and  Bluebirds  from  the  south  and  the 
departure  of  Nuthatches  and  Juncos  for  the  north.  He  has  fed 
birds  all  winter  and  knows  every  one  of  them  by  name.  In  a 
word,  he  is  alive  to  the  out-of-doors,  in  sympathy  with  a  great 
sphere  of  life  of  surpassing  daily  interest. 

One  in  beginning  bird  study  is  apt  to  become  discouraged 
because  there  are  so  many.  But  this  is  as  foolish  as  to  refuse 
to  make  friends  because  there  are  so  many  people.  Indeed,  one 
learns  birds  just  as  he  learns  people:  he  is  introduced  to  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Robin  or  Bluebird;  his  acquaintance  with  these  leads 
to  acquaintance  with  others.  One  of  the  delightful  things  about 
bird  study  is  that  it  takes  a  lifetime  and  every  new  acquaintance 
is  a  new  source  of  interest. 

And  yet  bird  study  does  not  take  much  time  either  from 
work  or  other  study.  It  is  not  a  matter  of  time  but  of  attention. 
One  person  walks  along  the  street  with  his  head  down  and  his 
thoughts  far  away ;  another  sees  the  Downy  Woodpecker  chisel- 
ing a  worm  out  of  a  tree  beside  the  walk  or  the  Nuthatch  stand- 
ing head  downwards  on  a  tree  trunk  across  the  street.  One 
person  is  wide  awake  and  sees  intelligently;  the  other  is  half 
asleep  and  oblivious  to  what  goes  on  about  him. 

G517: 

Two  boys  take  a  tramp  together  in  the  woods.  Both  en- 
joy the  tramp  but  one  has  more  than  a  tramp.  He  sees  the 
Scarlet  Tanager  and  hears  the  Wood  Thrush  sing;  he  flushes 
a  Whip-poor-will  and  sees  it  light  lengthwise  on  a  limb ;  he 
hears  the  Flicker's  call  and  knows  why  he  is  on  the  ground 
feeding  on  ants.  He  sees  a  bird  that  he  does  not  know  and  hears 
a  call  that  he  does  not  recognize.  New  interests  have  thus  come 
into  his  life.  It  was  a  tramp  worth  while. 

The  main  thing  in  bird  study  is  to  get  started.  When  we 
have  once  begun,  it  is  a  continuous  delight;  it  opens  the  eyes 
even  wider  to  all  nature  about  us,  and  in  later  life  it  becomes 
a  source  of  restfulness  from  work  and  worry.  It  adds  to  every 
walk  in  the  fields  and  to  every  tramp  in  the  woods;  it  makes 
every  vacation  on  lake  or  in  mountain  tenfold  enjoyable,  for  the 
best  way  to  rest  and  enjoy  is  not  to  sit  idle  but  to  give  our- 
selves to  new  interests. 


16  BIRDS   OF   SOUTH   DAKOTA 

The  initiative  in  bird  study  should  be  taken  by  school 
teachers.  They  are  the  natural  leaders  of  the  children  in  study, 
and  pupils  look  to  them  for  guidance.  A  little  extra  work  here 
will  amply  repay  any  teacher  by  developing  increased  interest 
on  the  part  of  her  scholars  and  will  furnish  a  means  of  recreation 
and  pleasure  to  them  which  she  cannot  measure. 

One  of  the  best  ways  to  study  is  to  form  bird  clubs,  which 
should  hold  periodic  meetings.  This  gives  companionship  in 
study,  benefits  each  by  the  observations  of  all,  and  furnishes 
opportunity  for  correcting  possible  mistakes.  Societies  should 
be  organized  in  winter  and  our  few  winter  birds  learned  before 
the  spring  migrations  begin.  It  is  important  to  have  a  simple 
but  good  book,  with  colored  plates,  for  purposes  of  identifica- 
tion. The  authors  know  none  better  than  the  pocket  edition  of 
Chester  A.  Reed's  "Bird  Guide"  for  birds  east  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains,  published  by  Doubleday,  Page  and  Company,  Gar- 
den City,  New  York.  Farmers'  Bulletin  513,  entitled  "Fifty 
Common  Birds  of  Orchard  and  Prairie,"  gives  splendid  colored 
cuts  of  fifty  common  birds  and  especially  emphasizes  their  econ- 
omic value. 

The  University  Museum  at  Vermillion  is  always  glad  to 
identify  birds  or  nests  to  those  sending  in  a  description  of  them, 
and  will  answer  inquiries  about  birds. 

Every  bird  club  may  receive  material  help  by  getting  in 
touch  with  the  National  Association  of  Audubon  Societies,  1974 
Broadway,  New  York  City.  Our  county  farm  agents  are  al- 
ways glad  to  render  assistance  in  bird  study,  and  none  appre- 
ciates the  value  of  birds  more  than  they  do.  An  effective  or- 
ganized relationship  between  our  State  Game  Commission  and 
all  the  active  bird  organizations  of  the  State  would  be  very  help- 
ful. Bird  clubs  should  distribute  literature  on  the  subject,  have 
their  county  papers  publish  short  articles,  and  use  every  effort 
in  carrying  on  an  educational  campaign  to  change  public  senti- 
ment in  favor  of  bird  protection. 

It  is  obvious  that  those  interested  in  birds  must  show  to 
the  public  that  our  birds  are  worth  while,  and  one  of  the  best 
ways  to  acquire  lasting  results  is  to  carry  on  educational  propa- 
ganda in  the  graded  schools.  All  teachers  should  be  urged  to 
spend  at  least  one  hour  a  week  in  bird  study  with  their  students. 


BIRD  STUDY  17 

BIRD  HOUSES 


Much  can  be  done  to  attract  summer  birds  about  our 
homes  by  providing  nesting  places  for  them.  Wrens,  Bluebirds, 
Martins,  and  sometimes  Chickadees,  build  in  bird  houses  but 
each  has  individual  taste  in  style  and  location  of  house. 

Wrens  are  the  least  particular;  they  will  build  in  any- 
thing from  an  old  boot  or  tin  can  to  a  fine  carpenter-made  bunga- 
low. The  authors  have  known  them  to  build  in  the  tool  box 
of  a  self-binder.  They  prefer  a  place  with  a  small  cavity,  how- 
ever, as  it  is  their  custom  to  fill  completely  the  cavity  with  nest 
material.  We  really  cannot  place  their  house  too  near  our  own. 
They  like  it  near  the  ceiling  of  the  front  or  the  back  porch,  where 
we  are  constantly  passing,  for  although  they  scold  us  roundly 
for  living  in  our  own  homes  and  for  our  impudence  in  encroach- 
ing on  their  preserves  they  really  like  to  be  near  us  and  they 
feel  safe  in  our  presence.  The  entrance  to  the  Wren's  home 
should  be  the  size  of  a  twenty-five  cent  piece. 

The  Bluebird's  house  should  not  be  large,  for  it  does  not 
build  a  bulky  nest.  The  entrance  must  be  the  size  of  a  fifty-cent 
piece.  It  loves  to  have  its  house  placed  in  the  open — along  a 
fence,  or  even  in  the  middle  of  a  front  or  back  lot,  preferably  in 
a  line  of  bushes. 

To  secure  a  Chickadee's  nest  in  one's  yard  is  quite  an 
achievement.  They  do  not  readily  build  in  a  house  or  in  a  made 
home  of  any  kind  that  is  not  a  part  of  a  standing  tree.  Fre- 
quently they  have  been  induced  to  build  by  excavations  made  in 
dead  trunks.  One  nest  was  secured  in  the  stump  of  a  dead 
cherry  tree  by  sawing  half  way  through  the  trunk  above  and 
below  where  the  nest  was  to  be,  carefully  splitting  off  the  front, 
making  a  gourd-shaped  excavation,  boring  a  hole  in  the  top, 
and  then  nailing  the  face  back  on.  Another  was  secured  by 
cutting  off  a  dead  apple  limb,  excavating  the  center  of  the 
stump  from  the  top,  boring  a  hole  in  the  side  near  the  top,  and 
then  nailing  on  a  round  piece  of  board  for  a  roof.  The  natural 
nesting  place  of  these  birds  is  in  old  Woodpecker's  holes,  and 
the  nearer  we  simulate  these  the  better  the  birds  like  it. 


18  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH   DAKOTA 

Martins  love  a  home  in  the  open  and  elevated  on  a  pole 
from  ten  to  twenty  feet.  Their  house  may  be  at  least  two  stories 
high  and  have  many  rooms,  for  they  love  to  nest  in  colonies, 
and  they  return  to  the  same  place  year  after  year. 

A  brushpile  left  in  the  corner  of  the  yard  will  usually 
secure  the  nest  of  a  Brown  Thrasher  or  Catbird,  and  this  means 
the  best  of  bird  music  during  the  nesting  season.  A  dead  limb 
left  on  a  tree,  possibly  with  the  top  cut  off,  is  likely  to  gain  the 
nest  of  the  Downy  Woodpecker,  Flicker,  or  Redhead. 

It  is  well,  as  far  as  possible,  to  provide  two  nests  for 
birds,  as  most  of  them  rear  a  second  brood.  After  their  first 
young  were  grown  Bluebirds  have  been  known  to  go  straight 
across  the  garden  and  take  possession  of  a  second  house. 


A  WELL  MADE   WREN  HOUSE   COVERED   WITH   BARK 


ROUGH  BOX  USED   FOR   A  WREN  HOUSE 


THE  ROBIN  TAKING  A  BATH 


ROSE-BREASTED  GROSBEAK  TAKING  A  DRINK 


BIRD  STUDY  19 

THE  BIRD  BATH 


Nothing  will  do  so  much  to  bring  different  birds  about 
the  premises  as  a  bird  bath.  This  is  especially  important  in 
South  Dakota,  for  in  most  places  it  is  a  long  way  to  open  water. 
The  bath  should  be  contained  in  a  wide,  shallow  dish,  so  that 
more  than  one  bird  can  drink  or  bathe  at  a  time.  This  is  not 
necessary  from  the  bird's  standpoint,  but  it  makes  the  bath 
much  more  interesting  to  watch.  It  also  makes  it  much  more 
instructive,  as  it  gives  ampler  opportunity  for  birds  to  reveal 
their  characteristics  and  their  relations  to  one  another. 

If  the  bath  will  admit  of  it,  it  should  be  lined  with  sod, 
for  in  nature  the  favorite  bathing  place  of  birds  is  a  grassy  pool 
beside  a  running  stream.  Cut  a  piece  of  sod  well  under  the  roots, 
wash  all  the  dirt  out  of  it,  shear  the  grass  close,  cover  the  floor 
of  the  bath  with  this  sod  rug,  and  then  pour  in  water  until 
it  is  an  inch  deep  above  it.  The  grass  will  grow  in  the  water 
and  should  be  cut  regularly  with  the  rest  of  the  lawn. 

The  bath  should  be  placed  in  the  open  and  raised  abput 
two  feet  above  the  ground.  Birds  are  off  their  guard  to  some 
extent  when  drinking  and  bathing,  and  the  raising  of  the  bath 
helps  to  protect  them  from  prowling  cats. 


20  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

THE  FOOD  BOX 


Grosbeaks  will  come  to  a  food  box  in  summer  for  sun- 
flower seeds,  of  which  they  are  very  fond,  but  in  the  bird  world 
the  food  box  is  a  winter  institution.  The  attractive  foods  are 
suet,  nuts  and  sunflower  seeds.  Chickadees  and  Nuthatches 
are  especially  fond  of  the  seeds  and  nuts,  while  the  Downy  and 
the  Hairy  Woodpeckers  are  especially  fond  of  suet.  Grain  of 
any  kind  should  never  be  put  in  the  box,  as  the  birds  mentioned 
do  not  care  for  it  and  the  grain-eating  English  Sparrows  will 
flock  to  it,  driving  all  other  birds  away. 

It  is  always  desirable  to  have  the  box  just  outside  the 
dining  room  window  for  then  the  family  can  watch  the  birds 
while  sitting  at  table.  With  a  well  supplied  box  one  will  eat  few 
meals  in  daylight  during  winter  without  enjoying  the  sight  of 
bird  neighbors  feasting  on  his  bounty. 

To  get  birds  to  come  to  the  box  at  one's  window  is  a 
simple  matter.  The  natural  place  for  the  birds  mentioned  to 
search  for  food  in  winter  is  on  the  trunks  and  larger  branches 
of  trees.  There,  in  bark  crevices,  they  find  insects  in  their  vari- 
ous forms  of  winter  preservation.  If  the  food  box  is  first  placed 
beside  some  tree  the  birds  will  soon  find  it.  Then  it  may  be 
moved  by  gradual  stages  to  any  desired  place  and  the  birds 
will  follow. 

The  writer  likes  a  box  about  two  feet  long  and  eight 
inches  wide,  with  a  standard  about  two  feet  high  at  each  end, 
and  these  spanned  by  a  crosspiece  at  the  top.  Nuts  or  sunflower 
seeds  may  be  placed  in  the  box  and  suet  tied  to  the  standards 
or  crosspiece.  This  gives  room  for  more  than  one  bird  to  light 
at  a  time,  and  furnishes  many  exhibitions  of  bird  ways  in  out- 
witting their  fellows,  at  times  even  providing  occasion  for  a 
passage  at  arms.  Woodpeckers  prefer  to  eat  perched  on  the 
standards  head  upward  and  the  Nuthatches  head  downward, 
while  Chickadees  are  most  at  home  on  the  box  itself. 

One  should  also  have  a  storm  food  box,  the  sort  that  will 
let  the  birds  in  but  keep  the  storm  out.  An  ordinary  box  with 
one  side  open  to  the  window  will  answer  but  it  is  much  more 


HAIRY  WOODPECKER  AT  WINDOW  SILL  FOOD  BOX 


DOWNY  WOODPECKER  AT  FOOD  BOX 


BIRD  STUDY  21 

interesting  to  exercise  one's  ingenuity  in  making  a  special  box 
for  the  purpose  and  to  notice  what  kind  of  box  the  birds  like 
best. 

The  Brown  Creeper  is  not  apt  to  come  to  the  food  box 
except  in  excessively  cold  weather.  But  if  one  will  place  just 
outside  of  his  window  an  old  tree  trunk  in  which  he  has  bored  a 
hole  for  the  reception  of  suet  this  interesting  bird  will  not  be 
long  in  searching  it  out  and  will  visit  it  repeatedly. 


22  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH   DAKOTA 

HOW  BIRDS  WORK  FOR  US 


To  entice  the  birds  about  our  homes  and  into  our  gardens 
by  bird  houses,  baths  and  food  boxes  is  not  only  to  make  them 
our  friends  but  our  servants.  But  for  the  birds  there  is  no  doubt 
that  our  vegetables,  bushes  and  trees  would  be  destroyed  by  in- 
sects. Most  of  our  birds  are  insect  eaters,  and  even  seed-eating 
birds  feed  their  young  upon  insects.  All  birds  are  hot-blooded 
creatures  and  require  an  enormous  amount  of  food;  and,  too, 
they  seem  to  be  feeding  from  morning  till  night.  In  winter  in- 
sects are  in  very  condensed  form,  usually  in  the  pupa  stage,  and 
it  requires  a  great  many  to  satisfy  a  hungry  bird,  so  that  every 
bird  that  searches  our  tree  trunks  in  winter  destroys  what  would 
be  a  vast  multiplication  of  insects  during  the  following  summer. 

The  hosts  of  insects  that  the  birds  destroy  in  migration 
are  beyond  all  computation,  indeed  beyond  our  imagining. 
Whole  families  of  insect  eaters,  as  they  pass  northward,  appear 
in  each  locality  just  before  or  at  blossom  time — Flycatchers, 
Warblers,  Vireos,  Kinglets,  Swallows  and  Swifts.  They  come 
just  as  most  insects  are  emerging  from  the  pupa  state  and  just 
as  others  are  hatching  from  the  egg.  Everywhere  the  trees  are 
alive  with  hurrying,  hungry,  feeding  birds.  Their  quick  eyes 
search  every  leaf  and  examine  every  bud  and  blossom.  They 
are  the  savers  of  our  trees  and  bushes. 

The  larger  birds  that  remain  with  us  all  summer,  such  as 
Bluebirds,  Orioles,  Thrushes,  Thrashers,  Catbirds,  and  scores  of 
others,  live  largely  on  caterpillars.  The  favorite  food  of  Cuckoos 
is  the  tent  caterpillar,  which  is  so  destructive  to  orchards;  and 
a  few  pairs  of  Grosbeaks  in  a  potato  patch  will  keep  it  free  from 
the  destructive  potato  bug.  The  little  Wrens  will  creep  under 
every  vegetable  in  the  garden  looking  for  worms.  Kingbirds 
use  the  clothesline  as  a  perch  and  gobble  up  the  passing  flies, 
which  carry  disease  from  filthy  places  to  infect  our  food.  They 
also  destroy  robber  flies,  which  kill  and  eat  honey  bees. 

Every  place  in  nature  has  its  bird,  and  few  are  the  birds 
which  do  not  give  good  account  of  themselves  in  rendering 
service  for  the  benefit  of  man.  Even  the  Hawks  and  Owls, 
which  most  boys  and  hunters  regard  as  legitimate  prey,  and  shoot 
to  let  lie  and  rot,  are  among  our  most  useful  birds.  There  are 


BIRD  STUDY  23 

three  medium-sized  Hawks  that  pursue  and  kill  small  birds — 
the  Goshawk,  the  Sharp-shinned  Hawk  and  Cooper's  Hawk.  But 
these  Hawks  are  not  plentiful,  and  the  damage  they  do  is  not 
great.  The  small  and  large  Hawks,  together  with  the  Owls, 
are  among  the  farmer's  best  helpers.  When  you  see  a  large 
Hawk  on  hay  or  straw  stack  he  is  watching  for  mice ;  when 
you  see  him  perched  on  a  tree  or  telephone  pole  he  is  on  the 
alert  to  destroy  pocket  gophers,  which  dig  up  the  alfalfa  fields; 
when  you  find  him  in  the  orchard  or  by  the  hedge  row  he  is 
looking  for  rabbits,  which  girdle  young  fruit  trees ;  and  when 
you  see  him  on  wing  leisurely  searching  meadow  or  marsh 
he  is  hunting  field  mice,  pocket  gophers,  ground  squirrels  and 
other  pests  of  the  farmer.  The  little  Sparrow  Hawks,  so  abun- 
dant in  our  State,  live  on  large  insects  and  small  mammals. 
The  large  Owls  live  chiefly  on  night-feeding  mammals,  such  as 
mice,  rats  and  rabbits.  The  little  Screech  Owl,  whose  night 
call  is  heard  in  practically  every  South  Dakota  town,  is  a  great 
destroyer  of  mice. 

While  we  are  benefited  most  by  the  insect-eating  birds, 
the  seed-eaters  render  valuable  service  in  destroying  weed  seeds. 
As  many  as  9,200  weed  seeds  have  been  found  in  a  single  Mourn- 
ing Dove's  stomach.  It  has  been  estimated  by  the  United  States 
Department  of  Agriculture  that  in  Iowa  the  Tree  Sparrows 
alone,  which  only  winter  in  the  State,  eat  875  tons  of  weed 
seeds  annually,  and  that  in  the  whole  United  States  in  1910  the 
Sparrow  family  saved  farm  products  to  the  value  of  $89,260.000. 

The  economic  value  of  birds  is  no  longer  a  matter  of 
speculation  or  sentiment.  It  is  based  on  careful  investigation. 
The  following  data,  for  example,  is  taken  from  reports  of  the 
United  States  Department  of  Agriculture.  The  stomach  of 
a  Tree  Sparrow  held  40  chinch  bugs  and  10  other  species ;  that 
of  a  Bank  Swallow  in  Texas,  68  boll  weevils;  the  stomachs  of 
thirty-five  Cliff  Swallows,  an  average  of  18  boll  weevils  each; 
those  of  two  Pine  Siskins  in  Colorado,  1,900  black  olive  scales 
and  300  plant  lice ;  that  of  a  Killdeer  in  Texas,  over  300  mosquito 
larvae;  that  of  a  Flicker,  28  white  grubs;  that  of  a  Nighthawk, 
34  May  beetles ;  that  of  another  Nighthawk,  340  grasshoppers, 
52  bugs,  3  beetles,  2  wasps  and  1  spider;  and  that  of  a  Duck, 
over  72,000  seeds. 


24  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

BIRD  ENEMIES 


There  are  more  bird  nests  in  the  trees  about  our  homes 
than  in  the  outlying  groves,  and  more  birds  in  a  well  shaded 
town  than  in  many  times  the  same  area  of  wild  woods.  The 
Robin  places  its  nest  in  the  tree  nearest  the  walk;  the  Wren 
occupies  a  box  under  the  porch  roof;  the  Quail  grows  tamer  in 
spring  and  makes  her  nest  in  the  old  orchard. 

Birds  thus  bring  their  families  about  our  homes  for  pro- 
tection from  enemies,  such  as  snakes,  weasels,  minks,  skunks, 
foxes,  coyotes,  and  other  mammals.  Crows,  some  Hawks  and 
some  Owls  are  also  enemies.  Some  of  these  are  not  serious 
bird  enemies,  but,  taken  together,  they  make  a  formidable 
army,  and  the  birds  fly  to  us  for  protection. 

The  destruction  of  birds'  nests  by  these  enemies,  together 
with  wind  and  storms,  is  almost  past  belief.  A  careful  observer 
says  that  during  a  whole  season  he  has  not  known  a  single  Wood 
Thrush's  nest  to  succeed.  In  1915  five  Meadowlarks'  nests  were 
observed  in  a  grassy  corner  of  the  University  campus  and  only 
one  succeeded.  During  a  whole  season  his  efforts  to  secure  a 
photograph  of  young  Kingbirds  failed.  Something  invariably 
happened  either  to  eggs  or  young.  Probably  not  more  than  one 
out  of  five  Yellow  Warblers'  nests  succeeds.  And  even  the 
strong,  masterful  Robin  has  been  observed  to  "make  good" 
only  with  his  third  nest. 

English  Sparrows  are  bird  enemies  in  two  ways:  they 
are  so  numerous,  curious  and  persistent  that  they  flock  to  an> 
spot  where  other  birds  are  busy  and  make  themselves  a  nuisance, 
so  that  other  birds  simply  leave;  they  also  rifle  birds'  nests. 
The  writer  has  seen  them  get  into  a  Robin's  nest,  throw  the 
eggs  to  the  ground,  tear  up  the  lining,  and  leave  the  egg-cradle 
a  wreck. 

r    • 

There  is  perhaps  no  more  destructive  bird  enemy  than 
the  Cowbird.  It  builds  no  nest  of  its  own,  but  lays  its  spotted 
eggs  in  the  nests  of  other  birds,  usually  those  that  hold  spotted 
eggs.  The  egg  of  this  parasite  has  a  smoky  ground  color  spotted 


BIRD  STUDY  25 

all  over  with  darker  and  somewhat  irregular  spots.  It  looks 
like  the  sinister  thing  it  is,  lacking  the  clear  ground  color  and 
definite  spots  of  most  eggs. 

While  the  Cowbirds  are  generally  seen  in  pastures  feed- 
ing upon  insects  disturbed  by  cattle  and  horses  as  tkey  graze, 
during  nesting  time  the  females  are  seen  in  groves  and  among 
bushes  eyeing  the  movements  of  other  birds  and  watching  a 
chance  to  slip  into  their  nests  to  lay  their  own  eggs.  The 
writer  has  found  five  eggs  of  this  enemy  in  one  Yellow-breasted 
Chat's  nest;  three  are  not  infrequently  found,  and  two  are  quite 
common. 

These  parasitic  eggs  are  destructive  of  the  rightful  young 
because  they  hatch  more  quickly  than  other  eggs,  and  their 
young  are  rapid-growing,  pot-bellied  things.  Owing  to  their 
rapid  growth,  size  and  strength  they  take  most  of  the  food 
brought  to  the  nest  and  literally  starve  and  crowd  the  parents' 
own  young  to  death.  The  strange  thing  is  that,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  Yellow  Warbler,  birds  either  do  not  know  the 
danger  of  this  egg  or  do  not  know  how  to  defend  their  own 
young  against  it.  Parent  birds  will  even  feed  these  foster  chil- 
dren after  they  have  left  the  nest.  The  Yellow  Warbler  discerns 
the  danger  and  buries  both  these  enemy  eggs  and  her  own  by 
building  a  second  nest  above  them. 

Next  to  the  Cowbird  as  a  nest  rifler  should  be  placed  the 
Blue  Jay.  He  is  an  egg  eater  and  will  sometimes  destroy  young 
birds.  When  other  birds  are  nesting  it  is  the  regular  custom 
for  Blue  Jays  to  form  in  squads  of  three  to  six  and  make  ex- 
cursions from  one  grove  to  another,  or  from  one  part  of  a 
shaded  town  to  another.  These  are  nest  robbing  expeditions 
and  are  made  with  loud  outcries,  as  though  for  the  purpose  of 
terrifying  other  birds.  The  writer  one  day  watched  three  at- 
tacking a  Robin's  nest.  The  male  Robin  pursued  the  first  in- 
truder, the  female  the  second,  but  there  was  no  Robin  to  pur- 
sue the  third.  On  this  occasion,  however,  the  male  Robin  re- 
turned in  time  and  the  pair  succeeded  in  driving  off  the  thieves, 
but  the  next  day  the  nest  was  rifled. 

The  Crow  is  listed  by  writers  among  bird  enemies,  al- 
though the  authors  have  never  caught  him  in  any  nest  robbing 


26  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

acts.  Every  observer,  however,  has  seen  Kingbirds  and  Black- 
birds light  between  his  hurrying  wings  and  drive  him  precipi- 
tately from  the  vicinity  of  their  nests,  which  is  presumptive  evi- 
dence against  him;  and  his  thieving  propensities  are  well 
known. 

Hawks  and  Owls  as  a  rule  do  not  make  a  business  of  kill- 
ing young  birds  and,  as  far  as  the  writer  is  aware,  never  molest 
birds'  nests.  Exceptions  must  be  made  of  the  three  Hawks  al- 
ready mentioned — the  Sharp-shinned,  Goshawk  and  Cooper's 
Hawk.  These  three  are  swift  fliers  and  kill  and  eat  small  birds 
whenever  they  can  catch  them,  and  of  course  are  always  eager 
to  appropriate  young  birds  either  in  the  nest  or  out.  Doubt- 
less any  Hawk  or  Owl  will  occasionally  rifle  a  nest  of  young 
birds,  but  the  Owls  and  the  large  and  small  Hawks  do  not  seek 
their  food  in  this  way.  Their  food,  as  indicated  elsewhere,  con- 
sists principally  of  small  mammals,  and  they  make  it  their  busi- 
ness to  hunt  for  mammals  and  not  for  birds. 

Snakes  always  seem  to  strike  birds  with  terror,  and  for 
this  there  is  good  reason.  These  stealthy  creatures  are  always 
on  the  watch  for  nests  and  young.  They  easily  climb  into  high 
bushes  and  even  ascend  sloping  trees.  The  writer  was  one  day 
attracted  by  the  combined  cries  of  seemingly  all  the  birds  in  the 
neighborhood — cries  of  fear,  terror  and  distress.  A  snake  had 
climbed  into  a  high  gooseberry  bush  which  held  a  Catbird's 
nest,  and  was  leisurely  gulping  down  one  of  the  half-grown 
young.  All  the  birds  were  vainly  endeavoring  to  drive  him  away, 
but  he  paid  no  attention.  A  bull  snake  rifled  a  Cheewink's  nest 
which  the  writer  was  watching  for  photographic  purposes,  and 
made  his  own  nest  or  burrow  under  it.  He  had  driven  a  hole 
directly  through  the  center  of  the  nest.  The  young  were  de- 
stroyed but  one  unbroken  egg  was  found  in  the  loose  dirt  which 
the  snake  had  worked  up. 

Many  birds'  nests  are  destroyed  by  wind  and  storm. 
The  writer  has  known  a  Cuckoo's  nest  to  be  literally  blown  out 
of  the  tree;  and  every  few  years  after  a  severe  wind  and  rain 
storm  both  eggs  and  young  birds  are  seen  beside  or  on  the 
walk  between  his  home  and  the  University  in  Vermillion. 


- 


WHITE-BREASTED  NUTHATCH 


BROWN  CREEPER 


NORTHERN    FLICKER 


CHICKADEE 


BIRD  STUDY  27 

The  thoughtless  bird  photographer  may  be  a  bird  enemy. 
In  photographing  birds,  leaves  and  twigs  should  never  be  re- 
moved. They  may  be  tied  back  to  let  light  in  for  the  picture, 
but  should  always  be  carefully  replaced.  When  they  are  torn 
away  the  nest  is  almost  sure  to  be  rifled.  Birds  know  how  to 
place  their  nests  so  as  to  protect  them  best  and  when  their  in- 
stinctive plans  are  disarranged  their  treasures  are  endangered. 
Everything  about  a  bird's  nest  should  be  left  precisely  as  found. 
And  even  while  photographing  one  should  be  careful  not  to  al- 
low direct  sunlight  to  fall  upon  very  young  birds,  as  it  is  al- 
most sure  death  to  them. 

Boys  with  air  guns  and  other  guns  are  sometimes  bird 
enemies  while  not  meaning  to  be  such.  The  writer  once  came 
upon  two  fine  boys  of  his  acquaintance  in  an  orchard  shoot- 
ing English  Sparrows,  as  they  thought.  They  were  shooting 
Tree  Sparrows  that  had  just  arrived  from  the  north  to  spend 
the  winter  with  us.  Sparrows  are  difficult  to  tell  apart,  and 
when  we  shoot  English  Sparrows  it  is  safest  to  shoot  those 
near  houses,  so  as  to  be  sure  that  we  are  killing  real  bird  ene- 
mies. 

There  is  no  greater  enemy  of  birds  than  the  household 
cat.  Cats  are  natural  hunters;  they  easily  climb  trees  to  get 
at  the  nests;  and  young  birds  upon  the  lawn  are  entirely  at 
their  mercy.  It  has  been  estimated  that  cats  kill  one  half  of 
all  young  Robins  in  Vermillion  every  summer. 

The  list  of  bird  enemies  is  long  and  it  is  not  a  pleasant 
task  to  write  about  them.  It  is  important  for  us  to  know  a  few 
of  them,  for  the  more  we  know  of  these  enemies  the  better 
friends  we  will  be  to  the  birds,  especially  as  they  trust  us  and 
bring  their  nests  to  our  very  doors  for  protection. 


28  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH   DAKOTA 

PROTECTIVE  COLORATION 


In  studying  birds  one  must  ignore  the  females.  This 
would  be  a  rather  unsafe  policy  in  studying  human  beings, 
but  among  birds  it  is  necessary  because  the  males  are  the 
singers  and  wear  the  bright  colors,  while  the  females  do  not 
"shine"  either  in  music  or  dress.  One  learns  the  females  easily 
because  they  are  the  companions  of  the  males  during  the  mat- 
ing season.  But  for  this  fact  the  study  of  female  birds  would 
be  a  very  difficult  task,  for  most  of  them  have  sober  colors, 
and  the  females  of  many  species  resemble  each  other.  For  ex- 
ample, it  is  not  easy  to  distinguish  the  females  of  several  dif- 
ferent Blackbirds,  or  of  numerous  Sparrows.  Of  course  in 
some  species  males  and  females  are  alike,  but  bright  colored 
males  and  sober  colored  females  is  the  general  rule. 

The  colors  of  male  birds  are  always  the  brightest  in 
the  mating  season,  as  though  for  the  purpose  of  being  attrac- 
tive to  the  females.  Some  have  thought  that  the  most  attrac- 
tive males  won  the  females,  and  then,  reproducing  their  kind, 
developed  in  the  species  increased  attractiveness.  Others  have 
thought  that  beauty  in  males  was  connected  with  strength  and 
virility,  and  that  stronger  males  won  the  females  because  of  their 
prowess  in  driving  off  other  suitors. 

It  is  difficult  to  decide  such  matters,  but  it  seems  cer- 
tain that  in  the  modest  colors  of  females  nature  has  made  care- 
ful provision  for  the  protection  of  the  mother  on  her  nest.  The 
dappled  brownish  black  of  female  Red-winged  and  Yellow- 
headed  Blackbirds  blends  perfectly  with  the  varying  light  and 
shade  that  play  over  their  nests  from  the  tops  of  flags  and 
rushes  swaying  above  them. 

The  female  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak  is  about  the  color 
of  the  materials  of  which  she  builds  her  nest,  and  the  colors 
of  both  herself  and  her  nest  are  not  unlike  the  color  of  bark. 
The  male  Scarlet  Tanager  is  like  a  burst  of  flame  in  the  forest, 
but  his  mate  has  the  color  of  green  leaves,  and  when  on  her 
nest  can  scarcely  be  seen. 

Birds  of  prowess,  like  Blue  Jays,  Crows  and  Hawks, 
show  little  difference  in  color  between  males  and  females. 


BIRD  STUDY  29 

They  are  able  to  defend  themselves.  Birds  that  make  their 
nests  in  cavities,  like  Woodpeckers,  Kingfishers,  Bluebirds  and 
some  Swallows,  show  little  difference  in  color  between  the 
sexes,  and  in  several  of  these  cases  the  females  are  highly 
colored. 

While  there  are  many  exceptions,  birds  are  generally  col- 
ored like  their  surroundings.  The  whole  Vireo  family,  for  ex- 
ample, is  olive  green  or  greenish  gray,  and  these  birds  are 
scarcely  noticed  as  they  flit  through  the  trees  and  gather  food 
from  the  leaves.  The  large  Warbler  family  migrates  north- 
ward in  blossom  time,  when  the  splashes  of  yellow  and  white 
in  their  bluish  gray  plumage  seem  simply  to  add  so  many 
more  blossoms  as  they  flit  through  the  trees.  When  they  re- 
turn in  the  autumn  the  blossoms  have  disappeared  and  their 
bright  spots  have  been  greatly  obscured. 

Prairie  Chickens  and  Grouse  can  scarcely  be  seen  in  up- 
land grass  or  stubble  field.  The  Ruffed  Grouse,  both  by  col- 
oration and  rigid  attitude,  looks  like  the  stump  beside  which 
he  stands.  Woodcocks  and  Quail  are  the  color  of  the  dry 
leaves  in  which  they  hide.  All  Snipes  are  the  color  of  dried 
grass  beside  which  or  in  which  they  run.  The  American  Bit- 
tern can  with  difficulty  be  distinguished  from  the  cat-tail  be- 
side which  he  stands;  and  the  Great  Blue  Heron  is  almost 
indistinguishable  when  viewed  against  the  rushes. 

The  study  of  coloration  in  birds'  eggs  is  very  interesting 
and  very  perplexing.  In  the  wild  there  would  seem  to  be  a  re- 
lation between  the  color  of  a  bird's  egg  and  the  color  of  the 
bird  that  lays  it.  Among  barnyard  Chickens  it  is  not  so.  All 
hens  lay  white  eggs  whether  they  themselves  are  white,  buff, 
dappled  gray  or  black.  And  yet,  as  we  know,  some  hen's  eggs 
are  whiter  than  others. 

But  a  Crow  lays  just  such  an  egg  as  you  would  expect  a 
Crow  to  lay — a  smoky,  darkly  blotched  egg.  The  Cowbird  has 
an  egg  of  similar  character.  All  Blackbirds'  eggs  have  a  dusky 
ground  color  and  are  variously  spotted  and  splashed  with 
black.  The  Orioles,  which  are  are  brighter  colored  Starlings,  have 
lighter  colored  eggs,  which  are  not  so  heavily  spotted  and 


30  BIRDS   OF    SOUTH   DAKOTA 

splashed;  while  the  Meadowlark,  our  lighter  colored  Starling, 
has  an  ideal  egg,  with  clear  ground  color  and  exquisite  brown 
spots. 

This  line  of  reasoning  cannot  be  followed  far,  however, 
without  becoming  inextricably  tangled  with  the  problem  of  pro- 
tective coloration;  for  example,  the  eggs  of  the  Catbird,  Robin 
and  Wood  Thrush,  while  varying  in  shade,  are  greenish  blue, 
while  the  birds  themselves  are  very  differently  colored. 

Notwithstanding  exceptions,  there  would  seem  to  be  a 
good  deal  of  protective  coloration  in  the  shading  and  spotting  of 
eggs.  The  greenish  blue  eggs  just  mentioned  are  difficult  to  see 
in  the  shade  of  trees  and  bushes  where  the  nests  are  placed.  All 
eggs  that  are  spotted  and  splashed  are  protected  thereby  in  the 
dappled  lights  and  shadows  that  play  over  them  when  uncovered 
in  the  nest.  Most  birds  that  nest  inside  of  holes,  such  as  Wood- 
peckers, have  white  eggs;  but  exceptions  at  once  occur  in  the 
exquisite  brown  egg  of  the  Wren  and  the  delicate  blue  egg  of 
the  Bluebird.  It  will  be  noticed  that  these  fall  under  the  other 
rule,  that  of  the  color  of  the  birds  themselves. 

The  Mourning  Dove's  pure  white  eggs,  laid  on  a  slender 
scaffolding  of  roots  and  exposed  to  the  sight  of  every  nest  rob- 
ber in  the  woods,  are  a  glaring  exception  to  color  protection ;  and 
the  exception  is  more  marked  when  we  remember  that  the  Dove 
offers  no  defense  of  its  eggs,  except  to  flutter  away  as  though 
wounded  to  lure  the  intruder  from  its  treasures.  The  Mourning 
Dove's  nest  is  probably  rifled  more  than  any  other  nest  in  the 
woods,  but  this  is  compensated  for  by  the  fact  that  the  Dove 
breeds  almost  continuously  throughout  the  season.  They  have 
been  found  brooding  eggs  in  September. 

Most  Hawks'  eggs  are  white  or  cream  color,  sometimes 
with  spots,  but  they  are  able  to  defend  them. 

Some  colors  are  not  only  for  defense  but  also  for  offense. 
Owls  are  noted  for  protective  coloration,  doubtless  not  so  much 
for  their  own  defense  as  to  allow  them  to  approach  their  prey 
unobserved.  The  Snowy  Owl  changes  color  with  the  seasons, 
becoming  nearly  white  when  the  ground  is  covered  with  snow. 


BIRD  STUDY  31 

Perhaps  the  most  remarkable  example  of  adaptive  colora- 
tion in  the  bird  world  is  found  among  the  Ptarmigans  or  Snow 
Grouse,  which,  although  having  the  Grouse  colors  in  summer, 
turn  pure  white  in  winter.  Mr.  Frank  M.  Chapman  calls  atten- 
tion to  the  fact  that  Snowy  Owls  feed  on  Ptarmigans.  It  would 
appear,  therefore,  that  the  Ptarmigan's  colors  mean  conceal- 
ment for  defense,  while  the  Owl's  mean  concealment  for  ap- 
proach and  attack.  The  soft,  quiet  flight  of  Owls  also  assists 
them  in  coming  upon  their  quarry  unobserved. 

The  same  relation  would  seem  to  exist  between  whole 
classes  of  birds,  for  example,  Hawks  and  Grouse.  Both  are 
modestly  colored,  the  Grouse  evidently  for  concealment  and 
Hawks  for  attack.  All  Flycatchers  also  have  modest  colors. 
They  can  hardly  be  seen  as  they  perch  upon  dead  branches 
and  doubtless  this  gives  them  advantage  in  darting  out  upon 
passing  insects. 

It  should  be  noted  that  all  birds  are  lightest  colored  on 
their  under  parts,  many  of  them  white.  This  is  an  important 
element  in  protective  coloring,  since  the  under  parts  are  always 
in  shadow.  They  must  therefore  be  lighter  in  order  to  make  the 
color  effect  uniform. 

The  whole  matter  of  color  protection  is  filled  with  diffi- 
cult questions,  owing  to  the  many  exceptions,  but  it  is  a  subject 
of  intense  interest  for  study,  and  one  that  comes  under  almost 
daily  observation  if  our  eyes  are  open  to  observe  the  facts. 


32  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH   DAKOTA 

CHANGES  OF  PLUMAGE 


The  changes  of  plumage  observed  in  Ptarmigans  and 
Snowy  Owls  are  evidently  cases  of  adaptive  coloration;  but 
there  are  other  cases  where  such  adaptation  is  not  so  evident. 

The  male  Goldfinch  is  bright  yellow  with  black  cap,  wings 
and  tail  in  summer,  but  in  winter  he  is  scarcely  distinguishable 
from  his  mate.  Many  think  these  birds  migrate  south  in  au- 
tumn, whereas  they  are  annual  residents.  They  are  little  noticed 
in  winter  because  males,  females  and  young  all  look  practically 
alike.  Is  this  protective  coloration?  It  is  true,  of  course,  that 
the  male's  bright  yellow  summer  dress  would  make  him  a  marked 
object  in  the  bare  winter  landscape,  whereas  the  unobtrusive, 
sparrow-like  plumage  of  the  females  and  young  permits  these 
birds  to  feed  by  the  half  dozen  on  sunflowers  and  weeds  in  win- 
ter almost  unobserved. 

If  the  above  suggestion  regarding  protective  coloration  be 
correct,  several  other  birds  must  be  put  in  the  same  class.  Be- 
fore the  Bobolinks  go  south  the  males  have  lost  their  glowing 
white,  buff  and  black  and  have  taken  the  colors  of  the  females 
and  young.  They  may  be  seen  in  late  summer  gathered  in  small 
flocks  perched  on  wire  fences  that  run  through  meadows.  They 
are  scarcely  recognized  as  Bobolinks.  The  song  is  gone;  the 
wedding  dress  of  the  male  has  faded  away;  they  are  now  pre- 
pared for  the  southern  journey,  and  are  all  dressed  in  "khaki,"  so 
as  to  be  as  little  observed  as  possible  by  enemies. 

The  flaming  coat  of  the  male  Scarlet  Tanager  disappears 
in  autumn  and,  although  his  wings  and  tail  remain  black,  his 
body  takes  on  the  olive  green  of  the  female. 

These  seasonal  color  changes  are  not  very  well  under- 
stood. Of  course,  all  birds  molt  their  entire  plumage  after  the 
nesting  season;  some  molt  their  whole  plumage  again  in  the 
spring ;  others  molt  their  body  feathers  in  spring ;  while  some  do 
not  molt  even  all  their  body  feathers.  Changes  which  come  by 
molting  are  easily  understood,  but  the  above  changes  do  not  al- 
ways come  by  molting.  Some  have  thought  that  the  feathers 
change  their  pigment ;  others  that  the  tips  of  the  feathers,  which 


BIRD  STUDY  33 

are  sometimes  differently  colored,  break  up  and  fall  away  or  are 
worn  off. 

The  writer  has  seen  male  Goldfinches  in  spring  with  the 
yellow  showing  clearly  under  the  brownish  tips  of  the  winter 
plumage.  These  brownish  tips  in  some  way  disappeared,  leav- 
ing the  bodies  of  the  birds  pure  yellow. 

The  colors  of  birds,  as  before  indicated,  are  always  high- 
est in  the  mating  season.  Redwing's  epaulets  fairly  blaze; 
Yellowhead's  neck  and  head  are  glowing  yellow;  Robin's  breast 
is  really  ruddy ;  the  colors  of  all  male  birds  are  as  pure  and  fresh 
as  though  they  had  just  emerged  from  a  Turkish  bath;  while 
some  cranes  and  Herons  grow  special  plume-like  feathers  as  a 
wedding  decoration. 

Young  birds  always  take  on  inconspicuous  colors  com- 
pared with  those  of  the  most  conspicuously  dressed  parent.  Us- 
ually they  are  the  colors  of  the  female.  When  parents  are  alike, 
or  nearly  so,  as  with  Robins  and  Blue  Jays,  the  young  are  not 
quite  like  either.  In  some  cases  where  parents  are  unlike,  as 
with  Rose-breasted  Grosbeaks,  the  male  and  female  young  dif- 
fer enough  in  plumage  to  be  told  apart.  The  young  of  course 
need  color  protection. 

Many  young  birds,  like  Prairie  Chickens  and  Ducks,  are 
covered  with  downy  coats.  It  requires  several  months  for  them 
to  acquire  their  first  full  plumage.  Other  birds,  like  the  Orioles, 
require  two  or  three  seasons  to  gain  the  full  dress  of  the  male. 

The  plumage  of  birds,  even  of  the  same  species,  seems  to 
vary  with  climate,  rainfall,  and  character  of  the  region  inhabited. 
For  example,  birds  of  the  arid  plains  of  the  west  are  generally 
lighter  colored  than  their  cousins  of  the  east  or  south.  The 
Western  Meadowlarks  of  our  prairies  and  bad  lands  are  lighter 
than  the  Eastern  Meadowlarks  of  Illinois.  The  same  is  true  of 
the  Horned  Larks,  which  vary  considerably  in  different  parts  of 
the  country.  This  fact  also  would  seem  to  be  a  phase  of  pro- 
tective coloration.  The  lighter  colored  birds  are  most  like  their 
surroundings  on  sandy  soil,  volcanic  ash  or  where  the  short 
grass  is  parched  and  dry  during  most  of  the  summer. 

The  more  deeply  we  study  into  Nature's  secrets  the  more 
evident  it  becomes  that  all  nature  is  one,  fitted  part  to  part,  and 
that  each  part  contemplates  all  the  rest. 


34  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

BIRD  MIGRATION 


We  who  live  in  the  Northern  Hemisphere  are  peculiarly 
fortunate  in  the  privilege  we  have  of  viewing  a  bird  procession 
twice  a  year  that  spreads  over  the  whole  of  North  America  to 
nest.  Mr.  Wells  W.  Cooke  says,  "South  America  has  almost  no 
migratory  land  birds,  for  bleak  Patagonia  and  Tierra  del  Fuego 
offer  no  inducements  to  these  dwellers  of  the  limitless  forests 
of  the  Amazon."  (Department  of  Agriculture,  Bulletin  No. 
185,  p.  4.) 

There  are  four  classes  of  birds  with  respect  to  migration : 
(1)  permanent  residents ;  those  that  do  not  migrate ;  (2)  summer 
residents;  those  that  come  to  us  from  the  south  in  spring  and 
return  in  the  autumn;  (3)  winter  residents;  those  that  come  to 
us  from  the  north  in  the  autumn  and  return  in  spring;  (4)  tran- 
sients, or  migrants;  those  that  pass  through  our  State  on  their 
way  north  in  spring  and  again  when  they  return  south  in  au- 
tumn. 

The  general  direction  of  bird  migration  is  north  and 
south,  but  with  many  species  this  direction  may  swing  at  times 
to  east  and  west.  Many  Snipes  and  Plovers,  for  example,  which 
spend  the  winter  in  South  America,  come  north  across  the  Gulf 
of  Mexico,  then  up  the  Mississippi  Valley,  and  nest  in  the  in- 
terior of  North  America.  In  the  autumn  they  take  an  easterly 
course  to  the  Atlantic  coast,  thence  south  to  their  wintering 
place.  The  Bobolinks  that  nest  in  the  northwest  go  to  their  win- 
ter home  in  South  America  by  the  roundabout  way  of  Florida, 
and  the  Connecticut  'Warblers  come  north  through  the  interior 
of  the  United  States  and  return  south  along  the  Atlantic  coast. 

The  reason  for  these  circuitous  routes  is  not  well  under- 
stood. Generally  speaking,  birds  migrating  follow  "mountain 
chains,  coast  lines  and  particularly  river  valleys,"  but  there  are 
so  many  exceptions  that  other  causes  evidently  enter  into  the 
problem.  At  present  in  South  Dakota  many  birds  are  extending 
their  range  westward  with  the  growth  of  trees.  These  birds  will 
follow  the  migrating  routes  by  which  they  come,  returning 
first  east  and  then  south.  Many  birds  follow  such  a  route  be- 
cause their  range  has  been  extended  in  this  way. 


BIRD  STUDY  35 

Some  think  that  the  ice  age  crowded  the  birds  southward 
from  their  ancient  home  in  the  Arctic  Regions,  which  at  one 
time  had  a  temperate  climate.  Geological  changes,  such  as  the 
upheaval  of  mountain  chains,  the  rise  or  subsidence  of  large 
areas  of  land,  doubtless  enter  into  the  problem ;  evidently  all 
migratory  routes  are  very  ancient  in  their  general  outlines. 

Another  question  that  may  not  be  answered  with  too 
great  assurance  is,  Why  do  birds  migrate  at  all?  What  has  al- 
ready been  said  suggests  an  ancient  and  long  standing  habit, 
which  doubtless  has  something  to  do  with  migration.  The  cold 
of  our  winters  is  probably  not  so  large  a  factor  in  migration  as 
it  is  usually  supposed  to  be.  All  birds  are  very  warm  blooded, 
and  many  of  them  endure  our  coldest  winters  without  undue 
hardship  unless  caught  in  some  exceptional  storm  or  heavy 
snowfall.  A  few  birds  which  usually  go  south  in  autumn  fre- 
quently remain  during  the  winter  if  certain  food  is  plentiful.  In 
South  Dakota  the  writer  has  seen  Western  Mourning  Doves 
and  Western  Meadowlarks  in  January,  and  Blackbirds  have  been 
seen  feeding  in  cattleyards  in  the  middle  of  our  coldest  winters. 
Robins,  Bluebirds  and  Northern  Flickers  are  frequently  seen 
at  Vermillion  in  winter,  especially  when  wild  grapes  are  abun- 
dant. A  few  years  ago  a  flock  of  thirty  or  forty  Robins  was 
seen  on  the  University  campus  and  in  adjoining  ravines  in  mid- 
winter. 

The  supply  of  food  would  seem  to  be  a  much  larger  factor 
than  the  need  of  warmth.  In  many  cases  the  character  of  the 
food  eaten  would  seem  to  affect  the  distance  of  migration.  All 
insect  eating  birds,  such  as  Swallows,  Swifts,  Flycatchers,  Vireos 
and  Warblers,  must  leave  our  winters  and  find  summer  lands 
where  insects  abound,  which  of  course  they  do  by  going  to  the 
Southern  Hemisphere.  Snipes,  Rails  and  Woodcocks,  which 
gather  their  food  around  open  water  or  in  moist  places,  cannot 
live  where  everything  is  frozen.  Birds  that  live  on  both  insect 
larvae  and  fruit,  like  Flickers,  Robins  and  Bluebirds,  need  not 
go  as  far  south  as  wholly  insectivorous  birds.  Flickers  do  not 
go  far  south  and  Robins  and  Bluebirds  winter  in  our  Southern 
States,  while  the  insectivorous  birds  push  on  for  the  most  part 
into  Central  and  South  America. 


36  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

We  must  be  careful,  however,  not  to  make  the  food  factor 
or  any  other  factor  explain  too  much.  Mr.  Frank  M.  Chapman 
is  probably  right  in  associating  bird  migration  with  the  homing 
instinct.  It  is  simply  natural  for  all  animals  at  the  mating  sea- 
son to  want  to  get  away  and  be  alone.  Birds  can  best  do  this 
by  distributing  themselves  over  the  entire  country.  Indeed 
some  of  the  birds  remain  in  the  north  only  long  enough  to  nest 
and  rear  their  young  to  full  strength.  The  familiar  Yellow 
Warbler,  the  common  Orchard  Oriole,  and  the  less  well  known 
Redstart,  are  all  leading  their  broods  on  the  return  journey 
southward  before  the  middle  of  July. 

It  is  quite  as  natural  that  the  mating  instinct  should  be 
associated  with  places  as  with  time.  And  after  all  possible  ex- 
planations have  been  made  the  most  fundamental  fact  is  that 
birds  have  been  made  so.  This  fact  becomes  increasingly  signi- 
ficant when  we  consider  that  birds  not  only  scatter  over  the 
entire  country  during  our  summer,  but  that  every  place  in  Nature 
— the  pond,  the  shore,  the  grass  that  skirts  it,  the  open  fields, 
the  woods,  the  orchards,  every  place  to  our  very  doors — has  its 
birds.  Each  bird  has  its  special  habitat  for  nesting  and  feeding, 
and  each  is  adapted  to  its  place.  They  have  been  made  so. 

Although,  as  indicated  above,  it  is  natural  for  birds  to  mi- 
grate so  as  to  gain  as  much  seclusion  as  possible  at  nesting  time, 
birds  love  to  migrate  in  company,  the  closeness  of  the  compan- 
ionship varying  greatly  with  the  species.  Before  migration  in 
the  autumn  one  may  see  Meadowlarks  and  Robins  gathering  in 
loose  companies.  In  the  same  way  several  species  of  Blackbirds, 
such  as  Red-wings,  Yellow-heads,  Cowbirds,  Crackles  and  oth- 
ers, gradually  draw  together  before  going  south. 

While  camped  near  the  badlands  in  the  eastern  part  of 
Pennington  County  in  late  August,  1914,  the  writer  saw  Western 
Lark  Sparrows,  Lark  Buntings  and  Cowbirds  flocking  together, 
resting  together  under  shady  creek  banks,  and  feeding  together. 
Whether  they  were  simply  gathered  about  "water  holes"  in  a 
country  where  water  was  scarce  or  were  beginning  to  associate 
preparatory  to  migration,  one  may  not  say.  The  writer  has  seen 
Western  Yellow-throats  and  Lazula  Buntings  feeding  together 
in  late  July  in  weeds  and  thickets  of  the  Missouri  River  bottom 


BIRD  STUDY  37 

in  Corson  County.  On  a  wooded  island  in  the  Missouri  River 
in  August,  1919,  Black  and  White  Warblers  and  Chickadees 
were  seen  a  number  of  times  feeding  together ;  and  in  September, 
1918,  English  Sparrows,  Bronze  Crackles  and  Robins  were  ob- 
served at  Vermillion  roosting  at  night  in  the  same  trees.  Prairie 
Chickens  gather  in  large  flocks  in  winter  and  remain  associated 
until  the  next  breeding  season.  Crows  are  seen  in  winter  in 
large  flocks,  and  thousands  of  them  often  frequent  the  same 
"roost"  at  night.  Ducks  and  Gulls  often  gather  in  exceedingly 
large  flocks  to  migrate;  and  in  the  height  of  the  migrating  sea- 
son one  will  often  count  half  a  dozen  different  species  of  Warblers 
in  as  many  minutes.  They  travel  in  large,  loose  companies  of 
many  species.  In  the  spring  many  kinds  of  Sparrows  migrate  to- 
gether. Often  the  Juncos  are  associated  with  them ;  and  the 
Olive-backed,  Gray-cheeked,  and  Veery  Thrushes  are  found  in 
company. 

In  South  Dakota  there  are  perhaps  twenty-five  species 
known  as  "residents,"  and  yet  few  of  these  spend  the  winter  in 
the  immediate  vicinity  of  their  summer  homes.  The  Cardinal, 
Quail,  Screech  Owl,  Chickadee,  Gray  Ruffed  Grouse,  Canada 
Jay,  and  perhaps  Downy  Woodpecker,  would  about  complete  the 
list.  The  Cardinal  both  nests  and  winters  at  Vermillion.  The 
Quail  seldom  goes  a  mile  from  its  nesting  home.  There  is  evi- 
dence that  Screech  Owls  do  not  go  far  from  the  place  where  they 
were  hatched.  The  same  Chickadees  that  feed  at  your  bird  table 
in  winter  will  build  their  nest  in  your  yard  in  summer;  and 
"Downy"  may  be  seen  in  early  autumn  excavating  his  winter 
home. 

But  most  of  our  "residents"  doubtless  migrate  a  little  way. 
Prairie  Chickens  raised  in  the  northern  part  of  the  State,  where 
there  is  still  much  prairie  grass  and  wheat  stubble,  gather  in 
flocks  and  drift  to  the  cornfields  of  the  southern  part  of  the 
State  to  pass  the  winter.  Clay  County  raises  few  Prairie 
Chickens,  but  feeds  many  large  flocks  when  the  ground  is  cov- 
ered with  snow  farther  north.  The  Prairie  Sharp-tailed  Grouse 
nests  in  the  western  part  of  the  State,  but  moves  eastward  more 
or  less  to  spend  the  winter. 

Crows,  Hawks,  Hairy  Woodpeckers,  and  most  Owls  that 


38  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH   DAKOTA 

winter  in  the  State  were  very  likely  raised  some  distance  farther 
north;  and  yet  such  questions  are  very  difficult  to  settle.  We 
have  Crows,  Hawks,  Owls,  Downy  and  Hairy  Woodpeckers, 
and  sometimes  Flickers,  summer  and  winter.  Are  they  the 
same  ones?  Some  think  that  the  greater  portion  of  the  bird  pro- 
cession simply  "moves  up";  that  is,  with  many  species  those 
that  winter  farther  north  go  farther  north  to  nest,  while  others 
come  from  farther  south  to  nest  where  the  first  wintered,  and 
so  on.  However  this  may  be  with  numerous  species,  the  ex- 
ceptions are  many  and  marked.  For  example,  the  Arctic  Tern 
summers  in  the  North  Polar  regions  and  winters  in  the  South 
Polar  regions,  seeing  practically  no  darkness  the  year  round. 
The  Golden  Plover  nests  in  northern  North  America  and  winters 
in  southern  South  America. 

One  seeing  birds  in  flight  would  think  that  they  migrate 
at  tremendous  speed,  but  the  average  for  all  species  is  not  over 
twenty-five  miles  a  day.  Land  birds  that  migrate  by  day  do 
not  average  so  much,  some  of  them  not  over  half  of  it.  Mr. 
Wells  W.  Cooke  shows  that  the  van  of  the  migrating  procession, 
though  constantly  changing  in  bird  personnel  on  account  of 
birds  dropping  out  when  they  have  reached  their  nesting  places, 
moves  with  increasing  rapidity  as  it  comes  north.  He  says: 
"The  average  speed  of  migration  from  New  Orleans  to  southern 
Minnesota  for  all  species  is  close  to  twenty-three  miles  a  day. 
Sixteen  species  maintain  a  daily  average  of  forty  miles  from 
southern  Minnesota  to  southern  Manitoba;  and  from  this  point 
twelve  species  travel  to  Lake  Athabasca  at  an  average  speed  of 
seventy-two  miles  a  day,  five  others  to  Great  Slave  Lake  at  116 
miles  a  day,  and  five  more  to  Alaska  at  150  miles  a  day." 

Both  the  time  of  arrival  and  speed  would  seem  to  be  gov- 
erned largely  by  temperature.  The  Canada  Goose  and  the  Robin 
move  at  the  same  speed  as  spring  temperature,  which  is  35*  F. 
The  hosts  of  Warblers  come  with  the  blossoms,  which  usually 
appear  at  a  certain  general  temperature ;  and  temperature  moves 
north  with  increasing  rapidity  as  the  season  progresses.  This 
is  especially  true  in  the  Northwest,  where  it  is  affected  by  the 
Chinook  winds. 

In  addition  to  the  regular  migration  of  birds  there  are  also 


CHE  WINK'S   NEST   WITH 
TWO  ENEMY  COWBIRD'S  EGGS 


YELLOW-BREASTED  CHAT'S  NEST 
WITH   FIVE   ENEMY    COWBIRD'S    EGGS 


BIRD  STUDY  39 

occasional  migrations.  A  noted  instance  of  this  kind  occurred 
in  1904,  when  heavy  snows  in  the  northern  regions  brought  the 
Lapland  Longspurs  to  South  Dakota  on  the  wings  of  a  storm 
in  great  numbers.  The  writer  of  this  chapter  was  returning 
home  about  10  o'clock  at  night.  A  keen  north  wind  was  blow- 
ing, and  the  air  was  filled  with  snow  as  fine  as  sifted  flour.  It 
was  the  beginning  of  a  vicious  storm.  Several  times  he  stopped 
to  listen.  The  storm  seemed  filled  with  birds  moving  south- 
ward. Their  sweet  calls  were  heard  in  every  direction.  The 
next  morning  Vermillion  was  filled  with  dead  and,  wounded 
birds.  Becoming  bewildered  in  the  storm,  they  had  been  hurled 
against  buildings,  telephone  poles  and  wires.  Such  migrations 
are  not  uncommon  and  seem  to  be  occasioned  by  lack  of  food, 
or  by  the  covering  of  food  by  snow  in  the  birds'  usual  winter 
habitat. 

The  great  majority  of  birds  migrate  at  night;  noted  ex- 
ceptions are  the  birds  of  prey,  such  as  Hawks  and  Vultures,  and 
birds  that  gather  their  food  on  the  wing,  such  as  Swallows  and 
Swifts.  Other  birds,  such  as  Ducks  and  Geese,  seem  to  migrate 
partly  by  day  and  partly  by  night. 

It  has  generally  been  thought  that  birds  migrate  at  night 
to  avoid  attack  by  their  enemies.  It  seems  reasonable,  however, 
to  suppose  that  the  food  problem  is  a  larger  element  than  the 
safety  problem.  Swallows  and  Swifts  must  migrate  by  day  to 
supply  themselves  with  food.  Hawks  and  Vultures  have  better 
opportunity  for  securing  food  in  the  course  of  the  day's  migra- 
tion than  they  would  have  by  migrating  at  night  and  resting 
in  some  particular  place  during  the  day.  The  food  of  the  great 
host  of  small  birds  is  such  that  they  must  spend  practically  the 
whole  day  seeking  it.  If  they  migrated  by  day  they  would  not 
be  able  to  secure  sufficient  food,  for  they  cannot  search  for  it  by 
night.  Ducks  and  Geese,  of  course,  need  only  to  descend  into 
any  corn  or  wheat  field  for  a  few  hours,  morning  and  evening,  in 
the  course  of  flight.  This  is  their  regular  method  of  feeding 
when  they  remain  in  one  locality. 

Bird  flights  are  preferably  upon  still,  clear  nights,  and 
are  thought  to  reach  at  times  an  altitude  of  at  least  three  miles.  If 
a  storm  is  raging,  the  birds  cannot  hear  one  another's  calls  and, 


40  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

becoming  confused  and  flying  low,  often  perish  by  dashing 
themselves  against  monuments,  light  houses,  telegraph  poles 
and  wires  and  even  the  sides  of  buildings.  It  is  stated  upon  the 
best  authority  that  "over  1,500  birds  have  been  found  dead  at  the 
base  of  the  Bartholdi  statue  in  New  York  harbor  in  a  single 
morning,  and  230  birds  of  one  species  (Black-poll  Warblers) 
were  killed  in  a  single  night  by  the  Fire  Island  Light.  The 
Washington  monument,  though  not  illuminated  at  night,  causes 
the  death  of  hundreds  of  birds  annually/1 

Looking  through  a  telescope  focused  on  the  moon  during 
migrations,  the  observer  sees  many  birds  cross  the  moon's  disc. 
In  this  way  the  direction  is  noted,  their  height  calculated,  and 
often  even  the  species  recognized.  The  multitude  of  feathered 
migrants  that  fill  the  air  at  such  times  may  be  discovered,  at 
least  in  part,  by  counting  the  calls  as  the  birds  pass. 

The  writer  stood  one  evening  in  early  September  on  the 
shore  of  Pickerel  Lake,  in  South  Dakota,  and  watched  the  pass- 
ing of  Franklin's  Gulls.  They  flew  southward  in  great  streams. 
When  one  stream  had  passed,  and  what  seemed  a  few  belated 
stragglers  were  hurrying  forward,  another  stream  would  appear 
in  the  distance,  then  another,  and  another.  For  half  an  hour  he 
watched  them  and  wondered  if  there  was  to  be  no  end.  A  year 
later,  and  within  a  few  days  of  the  former  date,  he  witnessed 
the  same  beautiful  sight  a  second  time. 

So  regular  are  the  seasonal  conditions,  so  constant  also 
is  the  habit  of  most  birds,  that  any  one  who  observes  dates  can 
tell  within  a  few  days  when  any  bird  will  appear. 

A  sudden  drop  of  temperature  during  spring  migration 
will  often  cause  birds  which  otherwise  would  pass  on,  to  remain 
about  for  days.  Black  Terns  have  been  known  to  linger  even  for 
weeks  as  though  settled  for  the  summer.  A  pleasant  autumn 
also  will  retard  the  fall  migrations  of  many  of  the  feathered  folk, 
especially  those  that  come  north  early  in  the  spring,  and  do  not 
winter  far  south.  In  ordinary  seasons  and  weather,  however, 
as  stated  above,  the  migration  of  birds  is  surprisingly  regular. 

The  males  of  most  species  arrive  a  few  days  ahead  of  the 
females.  Male  House  Wrens  will  carry  sticks  into  three  or  four 


BIRD  STUDY  41 

houses  while  waiting  for  a  possible  mate  to  come  and  choose 
between  them;  and  male  Red-winged  Blackbirds  may  be  seen 
in  considerable  flocks  before  the  females  arrive.  One  would  be 
glad  to  think  that  bird  migrations  were  their  honeymoon  trips, 
but  most  of  them  do  not  mate  until  they  arrive  in  the  region 
where  they  are  to  nest. 

As  far  as  evidence  has  been  collected  it  tends  to  show 
that  the  same  group  of  birds  returns  to  the  same  region  year 
after  year.  Lack  of  sufficient  data  forbids  the  reaching  of  defin- 
ite conclusions,  yet  observers  have  often  noticed  the  return 
even  to  the  same  yard  of  individuals  with  some  peculiar  charac- 
teristic, such  as  a  white  feather,  a  drooping  wing,  only  one  leg, 
or  a  familiarity  with  premises  not  shown  by  other  members  of 
the  species.  In  Audubon's  "Birds  of  America"  he  tells  of  fast- 
ening silver  threads  on  the  legs  of  young  Phoebes  along  the 
Schuylkill  River  in  Pennsylvania,  and  the  next  summer  having 
the  satisfaction  of  finding  two  females  on  nests  in  the  same  vi- 
cinity with  the  silver  thread  on  their  legs.  The  banding  of 
young  birds  would  not  only  help  to  determine  this  question  but 
would  assist  materially  in  solving  other  questions  of  migration 
such  as  routes,  speed  and  regularity  of  seasons. 

The  strangest  thing  at  present  in  the  field  of  bird  migra- 
tions is  that  the  Chimney  Swifts,  so  familiar  to  everyone  in  sum- 
mer by  their  nervous  flight  and  constant  chippering,  gather  in 
great  swarms  on  the  Gulf  Coast  in  autumn  and  then  suddenly 
disappear.  No  one  knows  where  they  pass  the  winter. 


PART  II 

LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  OF 
BIRDS  OF  SOUTH  DAKOTA 


44  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

FAMILY   COLYMBID^E,   GREBES;   FAMILY   GAVIID^, 

LOONS 

Among  water  birds  Grebes  and  Loons  are  known  as  the 
Divers.  Six  species  of  Grebes  are  found  in  North  America,  and 
five  of  them  have  been  taken  in  South  Dakota.  The  other  species, 
known  as  the  Mexican  Grebe,  is  found  in  the  extreme  south- 
western part  of  the  United  States. 

Of  the  five  Loons  inhabiting  North  America  only  one  can 
be  called  native  to  South  Dakota,  and  this  one  is  quite  rare  in  the 
State. 

All  Grebes  and  Loons  have  legs  set  farther  back  on  their 
bodies  than  other  water  birds.  They  are  therefore  rapid  and 
graceful  divers  and  able  to  swim  long  distances  under  water. 
So  quickly  can  they  dive  that  when  shot  at  three  or  four  rods 
away  they  disappear  in  the  interval  between  the  flash  of  the 
gun  and  the  striking  of  the  shot. 

Neither  of  these  species  is  edible.  The  Grebes  are  not 
only  harmless  but  useful,  feeding  on  insects  and  larvae  in  or 
about  water.  Loons  feed  on  small  fish  and  other  aquatic  forms. 
Neither  family  is  gregarious ;  hence  one  sees  only  one  or  two  in- 
dividuals at  a  time. 

1.  WESTERN  GREBE  (Aechmophorus  occidentalis.) 

This  Grebe  is  about  twenty-six  inches  in  length  (from  tip 
of  bill  to  end  of  tail),  and  is  the  largest  of  the  Grebe  family. 
Body  gray;  throat  and  breast  white;  crown  and  back  of  neck 
black  in  summer  and  gray  in  winter.  A  specimen  in  the  Univer- 
sity Museum,  taken  in  Hamlin  County  by  Mr.  H.  E.  Lee,  is  in 
winter  plumage.  This  is  a  western  species  and  a  rare  migrant 
in  South  Dakota,  although  it  formerly  nested  in  Devil's  Lake, 
North  Dakota. 

2.  HOLBOELL'S  GREBE  (Colymbus  holboelli.) 

Also  a  rare  migrant  in  South  Dakota  and  slightly  smaller 
than  the  Western  Grebe. 

Back  nearly  black;  belly  white;  crown  black;  cheeks  and 
throat  white ;  fore-neck  light  brown  in  adults  and  gray  in  young. 
The  specimen  in  the  University  Museum  is  a  young  one  and 
was  taken  in  the  Bellefourche  Reservoir,  Butte  County.  Winters 
chiefly  along  the  sea  coasts. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  45- 

3.  HORNED  GREBE  (Colymbus  auritus.) 

A  rather  rare  bird,  but  it  probably  nests  in  the  northeastern 
part  of  our  State.  It  is  slightly  smaller  than  a  Blue-winged  Teal. 
Crown  and  throat  black  with  a  small  buff  crest  extending  back 
from  the  eyes ;  neck  buff,  shading  to  darker  on  the  back. 

4.  EARED  GREBE  (Colymbus  nigricollis  calif  or  nicus.) 

This  Grebe  is  about  the  size  of  the  last  and  very  similar  in 
plumage  except  that  the  buff  crest  is  smaller  and  the  neck  black. 
It  is  more  westerly  in  range  and  probably  does  not  nest  in  South 
Dakota,  although  specimens  have  been  taken  in  the  State. 

6.  PIED-BILLED  GREBE  (Podilymbus  podiceps.) 

About  the  size  of  a  Green-winged  Teal,  and  commonly 
called  "Hell  Diver."  Brownish  black  above  with  belly  nearly 
white ;  throat  black ;  a  black  band  around  the  light  brown  bill. 
In  winter  the  throat  changes  to  nearly  white  and  the  band  on 
the  bill  disappears.  A  common  summer  resident,  thoroughly  at 
home  in  the  water,  nesting  over  most  of  the  State  in  rivers, 
lakes  and  ponds.  The  nests  are  carelessly  built,  usually  on 
clumps  of  moss  or  bog,  but  frequently  on  old  muskrat  houses. 
The  seven  or  eight  bluish  eggs  hatch  in  about  twenty-one  days. 
The  young  immediately  take  to  the  water  and  remain  with  the 
mother  until  old  enough  to  care  for  themselves. 

7.  LOON  (Gavia  immer.) 

This  fine  bird  is  sometimes  called  the  Great  Northern 
Diver.  It  is  not  abundant  in  South  Dakota  but  individuals 
may  be  seen  on  our  largest  lakes  during  summer.  A  specimen 
in  the  University  Museum  was  taken  in  the  Vermillion  River, 
Clay  County.  The  black  head,  white  belly,  and  distinctly  black 
and  white  markings  on  neck  and  back  of  the  summer  plumage 
contrast  strangely  with  the  dull  gray  of  the  winter  dress.  At 
present  these  birds  rarely  nest  within  our  borders  but  prefer  to- 
rear  their  young  farther  north,  widely  separated  from  mankind. 
The  nests  are  usually  on  an  island  or  point  of  land  and  near  the 
shore,  so  that  the  birds  when  disturbed  can  immediately  escape 
into  the  water  and  dive. 

Their  food  consists  of  small  fish  and  other  aquatic  forms. 
They  are  not  edible. 


46  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

FAMILY  LARIM:.  GULLS  AND  TERNS 


51.     HERRING  GULL  (Larus  Argentatus.) 

The  largest  of  our  Gulls.  Though  only  migrants  in  South 
Dakota  these  fine  birds  are  quite  common  for  a  few  days  in  the 
spring,  feeding  on  dead  fish  and  garbage  along  the  Missouri 
River.  Head,  neck  and  belly  white ;  back  and  wings  gray,  with 
white  spots  on  the  end  of  the  larger  black  wing  feathers;  feet 
webbed ;  young  streaked  with  gray  over  the  entire  body.  They 
breed  from  the  Great  Lakes  northward. 

54.     RING-BILLED  GULL  (Larus  delawarensis.) 

Some  seasons  this  Gull  is  quite  common  in  migration.  It 
is  doubtful,  however,  if  it  nests  in  our  State  at  present.  It  has 
been  reported  as  nesting  abundantly  on  an  island  in  Devil's 
Lake,  North  Dakota.  Head,  neck,  and  under  parts  nearly  white ; 
back  gray;  largest  wing  feathers  black,  with  spots  on  tips;  bill 
greenish,  with  black  band  near  tip.  The  plumage  of  this  Gull 
is  very  similar  to  that  of  the  Herring  Gull  but  the  bird  is 
smaller. 

59.     FRANKLIN'S  GULL  (Larus  franklini.) 

The  most  common  of  the  Gulls  in  South  Dakota.  They 
migrate  from  the  south  in  May  and  are  seen  in  flocks  hovering 
over  sloughs  and  fields,  the  birds  occasionally  darting  to  the 
surface  of  the  water  or  to  the  ground  for  a  choice  morsel.  This 
is  the  Gull  that  follows  the  plowman  and  frequently  lights  in  the 
furrow  to  hunt  for  grubs  and  other  insects.  Head  and  neck 
black;  breast  white;  back  and  wings  bluish  gray  to  black  on 
larger  wing  feathers,  which  have  white  tips.  They  nest  around 
sloughs  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  State. 

Most  of  the  Gulls  of  North  America  inhabit  the  seacoast, 
but  the  three  just  described  spend  part  of  the  summer  in  the  in- 
terior and  are  of  great  economic  value  as  scavengers  and  insect 
destroyers. 

No  man  should  be  guilty  of  shooting  a  Gull  under  any 
conditions.  It  is  not  edible,  and  its  food  during  the  entire  year 
consists  of  destructive  insects  and  dead  animal  matter  found  on 
or  near  water. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  47 

According  to  the  United  States  Biological  Survey,  Farm- 
ers' Bulletin  No.  497,  from  ninety-three  stomachs  of  the  Frank- 
lin's Gull  examined  it  was  found  that  during  the  breeding  season 
grasshoppers  constituted  over  forty-three  per  cent,  and  during 
September  and  October  over  eighty  per  cent  of  their  food.  All 
Gulls  are  valuable  to  the  farmer,  and  he  should  use  every  effort 
in  his  power  to  see  that  they  are  protected  from  the  gunner. 

Instances  are  on  record  of  Gulls  coming  to  the  rescue  of 
early  settlers  when  insects  were  about  to  destroy  their  crops. 
One  such  instance  is  described  by  the  Hon.  George  A.  Cannon  of 
Utah,  in  the  Farmers'  Bulletin  above  referred  to.  In  1848  the 
Mormons  had  sown  their  first  crop  of  wheat,  with  good  pros- 
pects. Then,  he  says :  "Black  crickets  came  down  by  the  mil- 
lion and  destroyed  our  grain  crops;  promising  fields  of  wheat 
in  the  morning  were  as  smooth  as  a  man's  hand  at  night — 
devoured  by  the  crickets.  At  this  juncture  sea  gulls  (California 
Gulls)  came  by  hundreds  and  thousands,  and  before  the  crops 
were  entirely  destroyed  these  gulls  devoured  the  insects,  so  that 
our  fields  were  entirely  freed  from  them.  The  settlers  at  Salt 
Lake  regarded  the  advent  of  the  birds  as  a  heaven-sent  miracle, 
I  have  been  along  the  ditches  in  the  morning  and  have  seen 
lumps  of  these  crickets  vomited  up  by  these  gulls,  so  that  they 
could  again  begin  killing."  The  bulletin  says,  "These  lumps 
of  crickets  were  undoubtedly  pellets  of  the  indigestible  parts 
habitually  disgorged  by  the  birds."  Gulls  have  ever  since  been 
held  in  reverence  by  the  Mormon  people.  In  October,  1913,  a 
monument,  said  to  have  cost  $40,000,  was  erected  to  the  memory 
of  the  birds  that  saved  these  early  settlers  from  a  serious  famine, 

60.     BONAPARTE'S  GULL  (Larus  Philadelphia.) 

This  Gull  is  often  seen  in  large  flocks  during  the  fall  mi- 
gration in  our  State. 

About  fourteen  inches  in  length  and  very  similar  in  ap- 
pearance to  the  Franklin  Gull  but  the  tip  of  outer  wing  feathers 
is  black  and  it  does  not  have  the  rosy  tinge  on  its  breast  that 
the  latter  may  have. 

It  breeds  in  Canada  and  northward. 

64.     CASPIAN  TERN  (Sterna  caspia.) 

The  largest  of  the  Terns  and  slightly  larger  than  the  com- 


48  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH   DAKOTA 

mon  Crow.  It  has  a  black  cap,  white  neck  and  belly,  and  gray 
wings  and  back.  The  dull  orange  bill  changes  to  red  during  the 
mating  season.  No  doubt  this  bird  is  rather  rare  and  migratory 
in  South  Dakota,  yet  since  most  Terns  and  Gulls  are  similar  in 
color  and  size  one  may  sometimes  be  mistaken  for  the  other. 
They  may  be  distinguished  in  flight  by  the  fact  that  the  Tern 
usually  carries  its  bill  pointed  downward  while  the  Gull  carries 
its  bill  pointed  ahead  in  line  with  the  body.  Another  distinguish- 
ing mark  is  that  the  Terns  usually  seen  in  our  State  have  forked 
tails. 

Terns  are  not  scavengers  like  the  Gulls.  Their  food  con- 
sists almost  wholly  of  aquatic  forms  taken  alive,  part  being  larvae 
of  insects  injurious  to  the  farmer,  and  the  bulk  of  the  rest  small 
fish  not  useful  to  man. 

69.  FORSTER'S  TERN  (Sterna  forsteri.) 

This  graceful  bird  is  smaller  than  the  Caspian  Tern 
though  similar  in  color,  the  tail  feathers  being  darker.  The  tip  of 
the  orange  bill  is  also  dark. 

It  comes  to  us  in  migration,  when  it  may  be  seen  sailing 
over  lakes  and  rivers  and  darting  into  the  water  after  small  fish 
or  insects. 

70.  COMMON^  TERN  (Sterna  hirundo.) 

This  bird  is  rare  even  in  migration  in  South  Dakota.  It 
is  about  the  size  of  the  last,  except  that  the  tail  is  shorter.  Under 
parts  dusky;  back  gray;  crown  black;  bill  orange  tipped  with 
black. 

74.     LEAST  TERN  (Sterna  antillarum.) 

As  the  name  implies,  this  is  the  smallest  of  our  Terns. 
It  is  reported  as  breeding  in  South  Dakota.  Forehead  white 
with  black  crown;  gray  back,  and  white  below. 

77.     BLACK  TERN  (Hydrochelidon  nigra  Surinam  en  sis.) 

This  is  preeminently  our  Tern.  A  common  summer  resi- 
dent, nesting  in  marshy  places  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State, 
where  it  may  be  seen  sailing  gracefully  over  water  and  reeds, 
feeding  on  land  and  water  insects,  or  frequently  resting  on  wire 
fences  that  run  through  ponds  and  marshes. 


BLACK    TERNS    IN    MIGRATION 


COLONY   NESTS   OF   THE 
BLACK-CROWNED   NIGHT  HERON 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  49 

It  would  not  surprise  us  to  hear  of  an  occasional  nest  of 
any  of  the  migratory  Gulls  or  Terns  being  found  in  the  north- 
eastern part  of  the  State,  for  those  that  are  now  stragglers  doubt- 
less nested  in  the  State  when  the  country  was  new. 

FAMILY  PHALACROCORACIME.     CORMORANTS 
120.     DOUBLE-CRESTED  CORMORANT  (Phalacrocorax  auritus  auritus.) 

This  beautiful  bird  is  a  rare  migrant  in  the  eastern  part  of 
the  State  and  probably  does  not  nest  here.  Three  specimens 
taken  from  this  locality  are  in  the  University  Museum. 

Head,  neck  and  under  parts  black ;  back  brown  mixed  with 
black;  throat  orange;  tufts  on  sides  of  head  just  above  eyes  dur- 
ing breeding  season ;  tip  of  bill  hooked.  They  use  the  strong  tail 
feathers  as  a  third  leg  in  standing. 

FAMILY  PELECANID;E.  PELICANS 

125.     WHITE  PELICAN  (Pelecanus  erythrorhynchos.) 

We  have  the  Pelicans  only  in  migration  when  large  flocks 
are  seen  in  May  resting  on  sandbars  along  the  Missouri  River. 
Later  they  may  be  found  for  a  few  days  on  any  of  the  larger 
lakes  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State.  They  are  the  last  of  our 
large  swimmers  to  come  north  in  spring,  and  the  first  to  return 
south  in  autumn.  Their  nesting  haunts  at  present  are  in  Can- 
ada, Yellowstone  Park,  Utah,  California,  and  Oregon. 

In  water  they  are  sluggish,  which  probably  accounts  for 
many  of  them  being  shot  every  year  in  the  State,  although  they 
are  not  edible. 

The  plumage  is  white,  save  for  the  black  outer  under- 
wing  feathers.  They  measure  about  five  feet  from  tip  of  bill 
to  end  of  tail,  but  the  long  yellow  bill,  with  pouch  underneath, 
takes  up  at  least  twelve  inches.  The  pouch  is  probably  not  used 
for  carrying  a  supply  of  food,  as  many  think,  but  for  scooping 
up  minnows  in  shallow  water.  The  regurgitated  food  is  depos- 
ited in  this  bag,  and  from  it  the  young  feed. 

V 

FAMILY  ANATIM:.  DUCKS,  GEESE,  AND  SWANS 

This  family  is  divided  into  five  sub-families:     Merginae, 


50  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

Mergansers;   Anatinae,   River   Ducks;   Fuligulinae,    Sea   Ducks; 
Anserinae,  Geese ;  and  Cygninae,  Swans. 

SUBFAMILY  MERGING.     MERGANSERS 

The  Mergansers  are  represented  in  North  America  by 
three  species,  all  of  which  have  been  taken  in  South  Dakota. 
Since  the  hind  toe  is  webbed,  they  are  classed  by  some  authors 
as  Sea  Ducks.  They  are  very  appropriately  called  Fish  Ducks, 
as  they  have  narrow,  round  bills  with  saw-like  teeth,  showing 
that  their  habits  of  feeding  are  different  from  those  of  the  true 
Ducks.  The  Mergansers  are  seldom  used  for  food  in  our  State ; 
since  they  feed  almost  exclusively  on  fish  and  frogs  their  flesh 
has  a  "fishy  flavor."  In  migration  they  are  among  the  last  of 
this  family  of  birds  to  go  south,  and  are  never  seen  in  large 
flocks  like  true  Ducks. 

129.  MERGANSER  (Mergus  americanus.) 

"Fish  Duck,"  "Sheldrake." 

These  are  about  the  size  of  Mallards.  The  male  has  a  very 
dark  blue  head,  white  breast  and  belly,  white  and  black  wings, 
and  gray  back.  The  female,  entirely  different  from  the  male  in 
plumage,  has  white  chin,  reddish  brown  on  crown  and  crest, 
white  under  parts,  and  gray  back. 

While  a  few  pairs  may  occasionally  nest  in  South  Dakota, 
their  nesting  locality  is  much  farther  north.  A  few  are  shot  each 
year  in  migration  by  hunters. 

130.  RED-BREASTED  MERGANSER  (Mergus  Serrator.) 

Smaller  than  the  American  Merganser.  The  dark  green 
head  of  the  male  has  feathers  longer  than  the  head  of  the  Ameri- 
can. Breast  brown  with  black  spots;  under  parts  light;  wings 
whitish;  back  black.  The  female  has  crown  ashy  brown;  back 
gray;  and  the  end  of  wing  feathers  white.  Migratory  only,  as 
their  nesting  grounds  are  well  towards  the  Arctic  Circle. 

131.  HOODED  MERGANSER  (Lophodytes  cucullatus.) 

This  is  the  smallest  of  the  Merganser  family.  The  male 
has  a  large  black  and  white  hood,  black  neck,  white  under  parts, 
and  black  back.  The  female  is  similar  but  with  brownish  head 
and  gray  neck.  These  birds  summer  occasionally  in  South  Da- 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  51 

kota,  sometimes  placing  their  nests  in  hollow  trees  near  water. 
In  identifying  the  Mergansers,  one  must  continually  bear 
in  mind  not  only  the  difference  between  species  but  the  wide 
difference  between  male  and  female  of  the  same  species. 

SUBFAMILIES  ANATIN^B  AND  FULIGULIN^3.     DUCKS 

The  Duck  family  is  a  large  and  important  one.  No  fewer 
than  twenty  species  are  found  in  South  Dakota  either  as  sum- 
mer residents  or  in  migration.  Since  the  federal  game  laws  pro- 
hibiting spring  shooting  were  enacted  there  is  a  marked  increase 
in  numbers,  and  it  is  hoped  that  public  sentiment  will  become  so 
strong  that  everyone  will  discourage  the  violation  of  the  game 
laws. 

Ducks  as  a  rule  do  not  feed  on  injurious  insects  and,  while 
a  few  species  consume  quantities  of  obnoxious  weed  seeds,  their 
chief  economic  value  is  in  the  food  they  supply  for  mankind. 

One  of  the  chief  characteristics  of  the  Duck  family  is  the 
marked  color  contrast  in  plumage  between  sexes.  The  plumage 
of  the  young  of  the  first  year  in  most  species  resembles  that  of 
the  female.  Females  of  Mallards,  Black  Ducks,  Teals  and  Shov- 
elers  exhibit  a  marked  similarity  to  the  common  breeds  of  barn- 
yard Ducks. 

Ducks  are  usually  separated  into  two  divisions:  River 
Ducks  and  Sea  Ducks.  River  Ducks  embrace  Mallards,  Teals, 
Shovelers,  Pintails,  Wood  Ducks,  Gadwalls,  Baldpates  and  Black 
Ducks.  The  most  common  species  of  Sea  Ducks  in  our  State 
are  the  Canvasbacks,  Redheads,  Scaups,  Scoters,  Golden-eyes, 
Ruddy  Ducks  and  Buffleheads. 

The  distinguishing  feature  of  the  Sea  Ducks  is  the  large 
webbed  hind  toe. 

132.     MALLARD  (Anas  platyrhynchos.) 

This  fine  bird  is  the  largest  of  our  edible  Ducks,  and  an 
abundant  breeder  and  migrant  in  the  State.  Indeed  it  is  more 
or  less  common  over  the  whole  northern  hemisphere.  The  male 
adult  has  a  green  head,  white  neck  ring,  brown  breast,  purple 
wing  patch,  with  the  balance  of  body  mixed  with  gray.  The  fe- 
male is  uniformly  buffy  streaked  with  black,  except  for  the  purple 
wing  patch  bordered  with  white.  Most  of  our  domestic  breeds 
are  descendants  of  this  species. 


52  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

Mallards  are  not  particular  about  their  food,  but  are  at 
home  in  shallow  ponds  or  sloughs  of  the  prairie.  In  the  fall  they 
often  gather  in  large  flocks  and  feed  in  stubble  and  cornfields. 
They  are  inclined  to  nest  farther  from  water  than  most  species, 
and  have  even  been  found  nesting  "out"  on  the  prairie.  They 
have  been  known  to  build  their  nests  on  the  tops  of  old  hay- 
stacks. 

Because  the  nesting  grounds  of  all  our  Ducks  are  being 
curtailed  each  year  by  the  breaking  up  of  prairie  and  the  draining 
of  sloughs,  their  nesting  area  is  being  shifted  northward,  and 
in  the  future  we  shall  perhaps  know  the  Mallard  only  as  a  mi- 
grant. 

133.     BLACK  DUCK  (Anas  rubripes.) 

Usually  called  "Black  Mallard."  They  are  not  abundant 
in  the  State  and  occur  only  as  migrants,  usually  late  in  the  sea- 
son. About  the  size  of  Mallards.  Plumage  of  both  sexes  very 
similar,  uniformly  brown  and  black,  with  purple  wing  patch 
tipped  with  black.  Legs  are  not  so  reddish  as  the  Mallards. 

135.     GADWALL  (Chaulelasrnus  streperus.) 

Neck  and  head  gray,  top  mixed  with  buff;  breast,  sides 
and  back  barred  with  gray  and  white ;  wings  marked  with  brown, 
black  and  white.  The  wingpatch  of  the  female  is  ashy  gray. 

The  Gadwall  is  smaller  than  the  Mallard  and  nests  quite 
regularly  in  the  State. 

137.     BALDPATE  (Mareca  americana.) 

By  many  this  Duck  is  erroneously  called  "Widgeon."  It 
is  doubtful  if  a  specimen  of  the  true  Widgeon  has  ever  been  taken 
in  South  Dakota,  as  it  is  a  coast  Duck,  seldom  migrating  into 
the  interior.  The  Baldpate  is  not  so  large  as  the  Mallard.  It 
breeds  in  the  State,  and  some  seasons  is  quite  abundant.  Males 
white,  or  nearly  so,  on  top  of  head;  balance  of  head  and  neck 
gray,  except  patch  of  green  back  of  eyes ;  breast  and  shoulders 
buffy;  back  barred  with  black  and  white;  wing  patch  white. 
Females:  head  gray;  breast  and  back  mottled  with  buff  and 
black;  wing  patch  black  and  white;  bill  smaller  than  in  other 
Ducks  of  this  State. 


WESTERN  MOURNING 
DOVE'S  NEST 


BROWN   THRASHER'S  NEST 


MALLARD  DUCK'S  NEST 


MARSH  HAWK'S  NEST 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  53 

139.  GREEN-WINGED  TEAL  (Nettion  carolinense.) 

One  of  the  smallest  of  our  Ducks  and  usually  very  abun- 
dant in  the  State,  both  in  nesting  and  migration. 

Males :  head  reddish  brown,  with  wide  patch  of  green  ex- 
tending from  eyes  to  nape  of  neck,  slightly  crested;  breast  mot- 
tled with  black  and  white;  back  and  sides  barred  with  gray; 
green  wing  patch;  white  crescent  on  shoulder.  Females:  uni- 
formly buff  and  black,  with  larger  spots  on  the  breast,  and  green 
wing  patch. 

140.  BLUE-WINGED  TEAL  (Querquedula  discors.) 

'Somewhat  larger  than  the  Green-winged  Teal  and  prob- 
ably the  most  abundant  Duck  of  the  State,  breeding  freely  near 
small  ponds  with  shallow  water.  Males :  top  of  head  black  with 
white  crescent  in  front  of  eyes;  sides  of  head  slaty;  body  buff 
and  black,  with  a  patch  of  blue,  green  and  white  on  wings.  The 
females  are  more  uniformly  buff  and  black,  with  blue  wing  patch. 

These  little  Ducks  are  sociable  fellows  and  may  often  be 
seen  feeding  with  other  species.  They  love  shallow  water  and 
feed  on  aquatic  vegetable  and  animal  forms.  They  are  the  first 
of  the  Teals  to  go  south  in  the  fall  and  usually  gather  in  large 
flocks  when  migrating. 

141.  CINNAMON  TEAL  (Querquedula  cyanoptera.) 

The  distribution  of  this  Duck  is  given  as  "west  of  the 
Rocky  Mountains."  It  is  therefore  considered  a  straggler  in 
South  Dakota,  although  pairs  were  taken  by  Mr.  F.  A.  Patton, 
of  Artesian,  in  Miner  County,  in  1896,  and  records  are  reported 
from  adjoining  States.  It  is  about  the  size  of  the  Blue-winged 
Teal.  Males :  head,  neck,  breast  and  sides  reddish  brown ;  wing 
like  that  of  the  male  Blue-winged  Teal.  The  plumage  of  the  fe- 
male is  much  like  that  of  the  female  Blue-winged  Teal,  but  more 
rusty  brown.  The  bill  is  shaped  like  the  Shoveler's,  but  is 
smaller. 

142.  SHOVELER  (Spatula  clypeata.) 

Breeds  locally  over  the  State  near  lakes  and  ponds,  al- 
though it  has  been  known  to  nest  a  mile  from  water.  Mr.  F.  A. 
Patton  reports  the  following  peculiarity  in  the  nesting  habits  of 


54  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

this  Duck:  The  female  will  select  a  nesting  site  in  a  patch  of 
high,  dead  grass  and  lay  an  egg.  As  each  successive  egg  is  de- 
posited she  works  at  the  nest  by  pulling  dry  grass  up  around  her, 
so  that  by  the  time  all  her  eggs  are  laid  the  nest  is  finished.  In 
size  the  Shoveler  is  nearly  as  long  as  the  Mallard  but  the  body 
is  much  smaller.  It  is  easily  distinguished  from  other  Ducks  by 
its  long  spatulate  bill.  Male:  head  green;  breast  white;  back 
white  streaked  with  black;  belly  brown.  Female :  buff  and  black. 
Both  sexes  have  a  blue  wing  patch. 

At  a  distance  this  Duck  is  often  taken  for  the  Mallard, 
and  many  a  time  has  the  hunter  espied  what  he  thought  to  be 
a  flock  of  Mallards  feeding  in  a  slough  and  crawled  several  hun- 
dred feet  through  mud  and  water,  weeds  and  briers  only  to  find 
a  bunch  of  "Spoonbills."  They  are  apparently  a  sociable  Duck 
and  are  often  seen  feeding  in  shallow  water  with  Blue-winged 
Teal. 

143.  PINTAIL  (Dafila  acuta.) 

Central  tail  feathers  black,  very  long  and  pointed  in  both 
sexes,  but  shorter  in  the  female;  head  mixed  with  gray  buff; 
breast  and  under  parts  light ;  back  and  wings  dark  gray  and  more 
or  less  barred.  Not  so  large  as  the  Mallard;  quite  abundant; 
nests  locally  over  the  State. 

144.  WOOD  DUCK  (Aix  sponsa.) 

In  color  of  plumage  this  is  considered  the  most  beautiful 
Duck  in  North  America.  It  breeds  occasionally  in  the  eastern 
part  of  the  State,  placing  its  nest  in  hollow  branches  of  trees  or 
hollow  stumps  near  water.  A  male  was  taken  in  Hamlin  County 
in  1909  by  Mr.  H.  E.  Lee,  and  one  the  same  year  by  Mr.  Alex 
Walker.  During  August  and  early  September  of  1916  a  flock 
of  twelve  or  fifteen  was  seen  a  number  of  times  on  a  waterhole 
in  the  woods  four  miles  west  of  Vermillion.  It  was  presumed  at 
the  time  that  they  were  an  old  female  with  her  brood  and  that 
they  had  been  raised  in  the  vicinity. 

During  the  fall  these  Ducks  feed  extensively  on  acorns, 
and  it  is  said  that  they  also  feed  to  some  extent  on  insects.  The 
bill  is  small,  with  upper  mandible  hooked.  Male:  a  green  crest 
striped  with  white;  sides  of  head  and  neck  patched  with  black 
and  white ;  breast  brown  specked  with  white ;  belly  nearly  white ; 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  55 

a  white  black-edged  crescent  on  the  shoulder;  wings  and  back 
striped  with  green,  brown  and  white.  Female :  similar  in  plum- 
age but  much  duller;  only  a  very  slight  crest  and  with  small 
white  patch  back  of  eyes. 

146.  REDHEAD  (Marila  americana.) 

This  Duck  is  nearly  as  large  as  the  Mallard  and  in  early 
years  was  a  common  breeder,  nesting  on  floating  bogs  or  old 
rat  houses.  Male:  head  and  neck  reddish  brown;  breast  dark 
gray;  balance  of  body  gray.  Female:  white  throat;  balance  of 
body  dull  brown  or  gray. 

147.  CANVASBACK  (Marila  valisineria.) 

This  Duck  is  not  as  common  in  the  State  as  some  other 
species  but  it  nests  occasionally  in  the  eastern  part.  Like  its 
relative,  the  Redhead,  it  builds  a  nest  on  floating  bogs,  old  rat 
houses,  or  fastened  to  rushes  over  the  water.  It  is  slightly  larger 
than  Redhead.  Male:  brown  head  and  neck,  usually  darker 
around  base  of  bill ;  black  band  in  breast  reaching  around  to  front 
of  back;  back  and  sides  gray;  wings  ashy  gray;  tail  black.  Plum- 
age of  the  female  quite  uniformly  brownish  gray.  One  charac- 
teristic of  this  Duck  is  its  upper  mandible,  which  gradually  slants 
toward  the  forehead  like  the  mandible  of  some  geese. 

Mr.  G.  A.  Abbott,  in  "Birds  and  Nature,"  Vol.  XVI,  page 
216,  says :  "Very  few  of  the  game  birds  are  more  celebrated 
than  the  Canvasback.  Both  sportsmen  and  epicures  find  that 
it  meets  their  highest  ideal  of  game  qualities.  It  flies  rapidly 
and  with  directness,  dives  quickly,  swims  rapidly  and  withal 
is  remarkably  wary  and  alert.  Its  flesh  is  considered  incom- 
parably delicious  by  many,  especially  if  the  bird  has  been  feed- 
ing on  the  'water-celery',  an  abundant  fresh  water  plant,  which 
is  its  favorite  food.  In  fact,  the  Canvasback  was  given  its  spe- 
cific name  because  of  its  known  fondness  for  this  water  plant, 
which  bears  the  Latin  name  Vallisneria  sp'ir.-lis." 

148.  SCAUP  DUCK  (Marila  marila.)     "BLACKHEAD,"  "BLUEBILL." 

Nearly  as  large  as  the  Redhead  and  some  seasons  quite 
abundant  in  the  State.  Probaly  a  rare  breeder  in  South  Dakota 
although  it  has  frequently  nested  at  Devils  Lake,  North  Dakota. 
Male:  head  black  glossed  with  green;  breast  black;  sides  and 


56  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

belly  light;  back  barred  with  gray  and  white.    Female  like  No. 

147,  but  feathers  at  base  of  bill  white. 

149.  LESSER  SCAUP  DUCK  (Mania  af finis.) 

The  plumage  of  both  male  and  female  is  similar  to  No. 

148,  but  the  bird  is  smaller.    It  rarely  nests  in  South  Dakota  but 
is  common  in  migration.    Both  of  the  Scaups  are  lovers  of  deep 
water  and  common  in  the  Great  Lakes  region. 

150.  RING-NECKED  DUCK  (Marila  collaris.) 

This  Duck  is  smaller  than  No.  149.  Head  black;  chin 
•white;  brown  neck  ring,  whence  its  name;  back  and  tail  black; 
under  parts  light.  Female  similar  but  more  rusty  on  breast  and 
back.  A  rare  breeder  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  State. 

151.  GOLDEN-EYE  (Clangula  clangula  americana.) 

About  the  size  of  the  Redhead  and  common  in  the  State 
.some  seasons  as  a  migrant. 

Male:  green  head  slightly  crested  with  a  round  white 
patch  on  cheek ;  breast  and  belly  white.  Female :  head  brown  ; 
throat  white;  breast  and  back  gray.  Their  summer  home  is 
well  within  the  Arctic  regions. 

153.  BUFFLE-HEAD  (Charitonetta  albeola.) 

A  rather  small  Duck.  Green  head  slightly  crested;  white 
patch  extending  back  from  eyes ;  neck,  breast  and  belly  white  or 
grayish ;  back  black.  Female :  brown  head  and  neck  with  white 
on  sides  of  head;  throat  and  breast  grayish  brown.  Probably 
seen  only  in  migration. 

154.  OLD-SQUAW  (Harelda  hy emails.) 

Very  rare;  seen  only  in  migration.  There  are  only  two 
specimens  in  the  University  Museum. 

Central  tail  feathers  of  both  sexes  very  long  and  black. 
Male  in  summer:  black,  with  some  rusty  on  back;  white  patch 
around  eye.  IP  winter:  head  white,  with  black  patch  on  sides 
of  neck;  breast  white;  black  crescent  over  shoulders.  Female 
in  summer:  head  and  upper  parts  mostly  dusky,  with  whitish 
patch  back  of  eye.  In  winter:  cheeks,  neck  and  under  parts 
white;  breast  dusky.  Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  57 

166.  SURF  SCOTER  (Oidemia  perspicillata.) 

A  large  Duck.  Rare  in  migration.  Male:  black,  with 
crown  and  nape  white.  Female:  above  black,  breast  dusky; 
belly  lighter;  white  patch  at  base  of  bill.  In  both  sexes  black 
feathers  extend  forward  on  top  of  bill.  A  female  in  the  Museum 
was  taken  on  Lake  Madison  by  Mr.  J.  C.  Green,  of  Sioux  Falls, 
in  1914. 

167.  RUDDY  DUCK  (Erismatura  jamaicensis.)      "BUTTERBALL." 

Breeds  quite  commonly  in  the  State,  building  floating 
nests  in  high  rushes.  A  very  small  Duck,  but  Mr.  F.  A.  Patton 
says  that  "the  eggs  are  of  the  same  size  as  those  of  the  larger 
Ducks."  Male:  crown  black;  cheeks  white;  back  and  neck  red- 
dish brown.  Female:  head  dusky;  back  grayish  brown;  belly 
white.  Tail  feathers  narrow  and  stiff  in  both  sexes. 

SUB  FAMILY  ANSERINE.     GEESE 

Geese  are  intermediate  between  Ducks  and  Swans  in  size 
and  in  length  of  neck.  They  are  the  largest  of  our  aquatic  game 
birds  and  are  more  terrestrial  in  their  habits  than  Ducks.  They 
feed  almost  entirely  on  vegetable  foods — stubble  or  cornfields, 
winter  grainfields,  or  tender  grass  shoots  in  the  water.  '  There 
is  little  difference  in  plumage  between  sexes ;  they  lack  the  highly 
contrasted  colors  of  Ducks.  Eight  species  or  varieties,  usually 
called  "Wild  Geese/'  are  mostly  migrants  in  South  Dakota. 

169.     SNOW  GOOSE  (Chen  hyperboreus  hyperboreus.) 

Length  from  tip  of  bill  to  end  of  tail  about  twenty-six 
inches ;  all  white  except  the  longest  wing  feathers  or  primaries, 
which  are  black.  A  western  species  that  breeds  in  Alaska  and  is 
common  in  South  Dakota  in  migration. 

169a.     GREATER  SNOW  GOOSE  (Chen  hyperboreus  nivalis.) 

Rare;  seen  only  in  migration.  An  eastern  variety  that 
breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions.  Similar  to  169  but  larger,  length 
up  to  thirty-eight  inches. 

169.   1.     BLUE  GOOSE  (Chen  caerulescens.) 

Rare  in  migration.  About  the  size  of  the  Snow  Goose. 
Head  and  neck  white ;  body  bluish  gray ;  rump  lighter. 


58  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

A  fine  specimen  was  taken  in  Minnehaha  County  and 
sent  to  the  Museum  in  1916  by  Mr.  C.  J.  Stringham  of  Sioux 
Falls. 

170.     Ross's  GOOSE  (Chen  rossi.) 

A  straggler  in  South  Dakota,  but  specimens  were  taken 
in  Miner  County  in  1890  by  Mr.  F.  A.  Patton. 

The  Ross  Snow  Goose  is  much  like  the  Snow  Goose  in 
color  but  the  bird  is  smaller,  and  the  bill  noticeably  shorter. 

17  la.     WHITE- FRONT  ED  GOOSE  (A  user  albifrons  gambeli.) 

Size  of  169.1.  Forehead  white;  back  gray;  breast  and  un- 
der parts  light  gray  spotted  with  black. 

172.     CANADA  GOOSE  (Branta  canadensis  canadensis.) 

The  Canada  Goose  is  the  species  most  popularly  known 
as  the  "Wild  Goose"  and  has  always  nested  in  the  State. 

It  is  the  largest  of  the  Goose  family,  the  last  to  go  south 
and  the  first  to  come  north  in  migration.  The  loud  "honk,  honk," 
is  the  foreword  of  spring.  In  the  southern  part  of  the  State  the 
Canada  Goose  remains  until  January,  or  until  the  last  "airholes" 
freeze  over  in  the  Missouri  River.  In  these  they  rest  during  the 
night  and  much  of  the  day.  At  daybreak  they  can  usually  be 
seen  going  out  to  their  feeding  grounds. 

Length  up  to  forty  inches;  head  and  neck  black,  except 
throat  and  cheeks,  which  are  white ;  body  bluish  gray  but  lighter 
underneath. 

172a.     HUTCHINS'S  GOOSE  (Branta  canadensis  hutchinsi.) 

Similar  to  172  but  smaller.     Length  about  thirty  inches. 
Seen  only  in  migration.    Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions. 

I72c.     CACKLING  GOOSE  (Branta  canadensis  minima.) 

Similar  to  172a  but  smaller,  with  black  throat. 
Length  twenty-four  inches.     A  western  variety;  breeds 
in  Alaska ;  migrant  in  South  Dakota. 

173a.     BRANT  (Branta  bernicla  glaucogast~a.) 

A  rare  straggler  in  our  State;  breeds  in  Alaska  and  mi- 
grates east  of  this  territory.  Head  and  breast  black;  white 
patches  on  sides  of  neck ;  back  gray ;  under  parts  nearly  white. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  59 

SUB  FAMILY  CYGNIN^E.     SWANS 

The  Swan  is  the  largest  of  the  Family  Anatidae,  and  is 
hardly  considered  a  game  bird.  It  has  a  very  graceful  form  and  is 
largely  used  in  a  semi-domesticated  state  in  parks  and  private 
bird  preserves.  Only  two  species  are  found  in  America.  The 
Trumpeter  Swan  is  practically  extinct,  probably  only  a  few  speci- 
mens remaining  in  captivity. 

180.  WHISTLING  SWAN  (Olor  columbianus.) 

Length  about  fifty-five  inches;  all  white  except  bill  and 
feet,  which  are  black ;  yellow  spot  in  front  of  eyes ;  nostrils  nearer 
to  tip  of  bill  than  eyes.  Breeds  within  the  Arctic  Circle ;  rare, 
but  a  few  are  reported  in  migration  from  the  State  each  year. 

181.  TRUMPETER  SWAN  (Olor  buccinator.) 

Very  similar  in  color  to  the  Whistling  Swan  but  larger, 
and  no  yellow  spot  before  the  eyes.  The  nostrils  about  midway 
between  eyes  and  tip  of  bill. 

This  beautiful  bird  nested  in  South  Dakota  in  the  eighties 
but  no  specimen  has  been  seen  for  several  years  and  it  is  be- 
lieved to  be  nearly  extinct 

FAMILY  ARDEID^E.    BITTERNS  AND  HERONS 

190.     BITTERN  (Botaurus  lentiginosus.)    "THUNDER  PUMPER," 
"SHITEPOKE." 

A  very  common  summer  resident,  especially  in  the  high 
grassy  sloughs  of  the  eastern  part  of  the  State,  where  it  nests 
and  makes  its  home.  It  stands  about  eighteen  inches  high  and 
feeds  principally  on  frogs.  At  times,  when  seemingly  trying  to 
evade  detection,  it  stands  erect  with  bill  pointing  skyward.  As- 
sisted by  the  resemblance  of  its  plumage  to  surroundings  it  thus 
secures  protection  from  its  enemies.  This  bird,  however,  would 
seem  to  need  no  protection.  It  is  not  hunted  for  food  by  man, 
and  we  have  never  known  it  to  be  eaten  by  Hawk,  Owl,  or 
coyote.  Surely  any  flesh-eating  animal  or  bird  would  be  near 
to  starvation  before  eating  a  Bittern.  Body  very  small  for  size 
of  bird;  head  small;  black  patch  extending  down  sides  of  neck; 
back  and  sides  buff  and  brown  mixed;  lighter  underneath. 


<60  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

191.     LEAST  BITTERN  (Ixobrychus  exilis.) 

This  Bittern  is  a  summer  resident  and  nests  in  the  east- 
ern part  of  the  State.  It  resembles  the  Heron  in  shape,  but  is 
very  small,  measuring  only  about  twelve  and  one  half  inches 
from  tip  of  bill  to  end  of  tail.  When  standing  erect  it  is  not  over 
nine  or  ten  inches  high.  These  birds  live  in  marshy  places 
among  high  reeds  and  rushes.  They  are  usually  seen  perched 
on  perpendicular  reeds  where  they  evade  detection  by  their  pro- 
tective coloration.  They  are  slightly  crested.  Male :  crown  and 
back  black ;  neck  and  under  parts  buff  streaked  with  some  white. 
Female:  similar,  with  crown  and  back  brownish. 

194.     GREAT  BLUE  HERON  (Ardea  herodias  herodias.) 

The  Great  Blue  Heron  is  erroneously  called  "Blue  Crane" 
by  many,  probably  because  it  is  bluish  and  has  a  long  neck  and 
legs.  They  are  common  over  the  State.  Individuals  may  be 
seen  feeding  or  resting  along  river  bank  and  lake  shores.  Rarely 
are  two  seen  together.  In  August,  1914,  however,  nine  were 
observed  in  a  small  "waterhole"  near  the  Missouri  River  in  Sully 
County,  making  their  breakfast  of  minnows.  Yet  when  flushed 
they  took  flight  separately,  going  in  different  directions.  The 
Great  Blue  Heron  stands  about  three  feet  high  and  has  a  very 
small  body  in  proportion  to  the  length  of  its  legs  and  neck. 
Crown  white  with  black  crest  feathers;  neck  and  body  bluish 
gray ;  under  parts  light.  They  nest  in  colonies  in  trees. 

.201.     GREEN  HERON  (Butorides  virescens  virescens.) 

The  smallest  of  the  Herons  and  a  summer  resident  in 
South  Dakota.  Crown  dark  green,  crested;  neck  and  breast 
•chestnut  brown;  under  parts  ashy;  back  green  mixed  with  brown 
and  gray.  The  nest  is  usually  built  over  water  in  high  rushes, 
"but  sometimes  in  bushes  near  water. 

202.     BLACK-CROWNED  NIGHT  HERON  (Nycticorax  nycticorax 

naevius.) 

A  common  resident  over  the  State  in  summer,  nesting 
in  colonies  in  trees ;  much  smaller  than  No.  194.  Forehead  white  ; 
crown  and  back  dark  glossy  green;  two  or  three  long  white 
feathers  on  head  except  during  the  molting  period;  wings  and 
tail  gray;  neck,  breast  and  belly  light.  The  young  are  a  uni- 
form buff  and  brown. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  61 

FAMILY  GRUID^.    CRANES 


Cranes  are  more  terrestrial  in  habit  than  Herons. 


During  migration  they  frequently  light  in  numbers  to 
feed,  usually  on  knolls  or  in  winter  wheat  or  rye  fields.  During 
the  breeding  season  they  inhabit  marshy  places  and  their  food 
consists  chiefly  of  aquatic  animal  forms.  Cranes  reproduce 
slowly,  rarely  laying  more  than  two  eggs  in  one  nest. 

204.  WHOOPING  CRANES  (Grus  americana.)     "WHITE  CRANES." 

This  beautiful  bird  stands  three  and  one  half  to  four  feet 
high.  The  forehead  is  bare  and  dull  red.  Plumage  all  white  ex- 
cept the  longer  wing  feathers,  which  are  black.  The  head  of  the 
young  is  feathered,  both  head  and  neck  feathers  being  more  or 
less  rusty.  There  is  a  young  specimen  in  the  Museum  the  plum- 
age of  which  is  washed  with  rusty  over  the  entire  body.  They 
nest  north  of  us  and  are  seen  only  in  migration  in  South  Dakota. 

205.  LITTLE  BROWN  CRANE  (Grus  canadensis.) 

The  range  of  migration  of  this  Crane  is  given  as  "western 
part  of  the  United  States  and  east  to  the  Rocky  Mountains." 

The  specimen  in  the  University  Museum  was  taken  in 
Walworth  County.  There  is  one  in  the  United  States  National 
Museum  taken  in  Edmunds  County,  October  22,  1883.  Mr.  F.  A. 
Patton,  of  Artesian,  took  one  in  Miner  County  in  1896.  Mr.  F. 
M.  Chapman  gives  the  following  description:  "Length,  thirty- 
five  inches ;  bill,  four  inches.  Adults :  skin  of  top  of  head  dull 
red ;  plumage  brownish  gray.  Young  :  head  feathered,  plumage 
with  more  or  less  rusty.  Probably  very  difficult  to  distinguish 
from  a  young  or  immature  specimen  of  the  Sandhill  Crane." 

206.  SANDHILL  CRANE  (Grus  mexicana.) 

This  splendid  bird  is  quite  abundant  in  migration  and  has 
nested  in  the  State. 

In  general  appearance  it  is  very  similar  to  No.  205,  but 
larger.  Length  three  and  one  half  to  four  feet;  bill  five  to  five 
and  one-half  inches. 


62  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

FAMILY  RALLID;E.  RAILS,  GALLINULK^  AND  COOTS 

208.     KING  RAIL  (Rallus  elegans.) 

Rails  are  related  to  Cranes  in  general  structure,  but  in 
appearance  they  are  quite  different,  being  much  smaller  in  size. 
The  King  Rail  is  the  largest  of  his  tribe  and  measures  about 
fifteen  inches  from  tip  of  bill  to  end  of  tail.  Neck  and  breast 
brown ;  back  and  win^s  black  and  brown ;  sides  and  belly  barred 
with  brown  and  white.  This  bird  breeds  in  the  Mississippi  River 
valley  and  east  to  the  Atlantic  coast,  and  is  therefore  considered 
a  straggler  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State. 

212.     VIRGINIA  RAIL  (Rallus  virginianus.) 

The  plumage  is  similar  to  that  of  No.  208,  but  the  bird  is 
smaller,  measuring  only  about  nine  inches ;  bill  one  and  one  half 
inches.  This  Rail  is  common  and  breeds  in  the  eastern  part  of 
the  State.  An  abandoned  nest  with  eggs  was  found  July  2,  1917, 
near  Lake  Preston.  The  Rails  all  make  their  home  in  wet, 
marshy  places  where  there  is  a  thick  growth  of  sedges  or  rushes. 
They  are  fleet  in  the  use  of  their  legs  but  are  not  adapted  to  rapid 
flight. 

214.     SORA  (Porzana  Carolina.) 

Slightly  smaller  than  No.  212.  Bill  three  quarters  of  an 
inch  in  length ;  feathers  at  base  of  bill  and  on  throat  very  dark 
brown  or  black ;  back  streaked  with  brown,  buff  and  white ;  un- 
der parts  barred  with  gray  and  white.  This  beautiful  Rail  is 
more  or  less  common  over  the  State,  nesting  frequently  in 
marshy  places. 

219.     FLORIDA  GALLINULE  (Galimula  galeata.) 

Slightly  smaller  than  the  Coot.  Head,  neck  and  breast 
gray ;  back  brownish  gray ;  belly  barred  with  white.  The  crown 
plate  is  red;  the  feet  are  not  lobed  for  swimming;  and  the  legs 
and  bill  are  smaller  than  those  of  the  Coot.  These  birds  are  not 
nearly  so  abundant  in  South  Dakota  as  the  Coots  but  from  their 
similarity  in  appearance  doubtless  the  Coots  and  Gallinules  are 
often  confused. 

221.     COOT  (Fulica  americana.) 

The  Coots  are  a  sort  of  connecting  link  between  Ducks 


ROUGH-LEGGED  HAWK 


RED-SHOULDERED    HAWK 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  63 

and  Rails,  both  in  general  structure  and  also  in  size.  They  are 
aquatic  in  habit,  having  lobed  or  semi-webbed  feet.  They  are 
fairly  good  swimmers  but  not  equal  to  Ducks.  Unlike  Loons 
and  Grebes  they  are  not  adept  divers.  The  wings  of  Coots  are 
small  in  proportion  to  their  bodies,  hence  they  are  slow  and 
rather  clumsy,  both  in  rising  from  the  water  and  in  flight.  Their 
legs  are  too  short  to  place  them  with  the  waders,  but  notwith- 
standing their  apparent  defects  they  hold  their  own  fairly  well. 
Probably  this  is  partly  due  to  the  fact  that  their  flesh  is  not  es- 
teemed for  food. 

In  regard  to  the  quality  of  the  flesh  and  the  feeding 
habits  of  the  Coot  we  quote  Mr.  H.  Waltan  Clark  in  "Birds  and 
Nature,"  Vol.  Ill,  page  131 :  "During  the  first  few  weeks  after 
their  arrival  in  the  spring  the  Coots  find  plenty  of  dainty  tit  bits 
of  succulent  vegetation,  and  they  are  then  very  good  eating.  He 
who  feasts  on  them  at  this  time  is  likely  to  think  of  'Mud-hen' 
with  the  accent  on  the  last  syllable.  Later,  however,  the  food 
becomes  scarcer,  and  the  birds  subsist  more  and  more  on  the  rank 
chara  or  other  similar  growths  of  the  lake  bottom.  The  flavor 
then  becomes  rank  and  muddy,  and  he  who  feeds  on  'Mud-hens' 
is  pretty  sure  to  think  of  the  name  with  a  change  of  accent." 

The  general  appearance  of  the  Coot  is  dark  slate,  although 
the  head  and  neck  are  usually  darker,  and  the  belly  lighter,  than 
the  body.  The  bill  is  whitish  with  brown  spots  near  the  tip, 
and  the  crown  plate  is  brown.  The  Coot  is  common  over  the 
State,  nesting  on  old  muskrat  houses  or  on  a  bunch  of  old  rushes 
that  are  still  attached  but  floating.  Their  flight  in  migration  is 
during  the  night. 


64  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

SHORE  BIRDS 


This  order  embraces  several  families  usually  called  Snipes 
or  Waders.  Most  of  them  have  long  legs  and  bills,  which  en- 
able them  to  procure  their  food  along  muddy  shores  or  in  shal- 
low water.  The  Killdeer  and  the  Upland  Plover  are  more  terres- 
trial than  the  others  and  frequent  our  prairies,  especially  during 
the  nesting  season.  On  the  other  hand  the  Phalaropes  and 
Avocets  have  lobed  or  partly  webbed  feet  and  are  fairly  good 
swimmers.  Two  species  of  the  Phalaropes,  when  not  nesting, 
spend  much  of  their  time  at  sea  several  miles  from  the  coast, 
feeding  on  small  marine  forms.  Other  interesting  characteristics 
of  the  Phalaropes  are  that  the  females  are  larger  and  more  bright- 
ly colored  than  the  males,  and  that  after  the  eggs  are  laid  the 
males  do  the  incubating.  It  is  believed  by  some  authorities  that 
he  alone  feeds  and  cares  for  the  young. 

In  earlier  years  many  of  the  Shore  Birds  nested  in  abun- 
dance in  our  State,  but  today  their  former  nesting  grounds  are 
either  under  cultivation  or  in  pasture.  With  no  grassy  environ- 
ment and  the  continual  tramping  of  stock,  no  safe  place  is  left  in 
South  Dakota  for  the  Snipes  to  nest  and  rear  their  young.  Their 
food  consists  chiefly  of  insects  and  insect  larvae,  consequently 
the  economic  value  of  Shore  Birds  is  very  great.  Not  only  do 
they  destroy  great  numbers  of  insects  which  are  destructive  to 
crops,  but  eight  species  recorded  as  summer  residents  of  South 
Dakota  devour  immense  quantities  of  mosquito  larvae.  (United 
States  Biological  Survey  Circular  No.  79.)  The  Killdeer  and 
the  Upland  Plover  eat  the  larvae  of  the  horsefly.  Eight  species 
are  known  to  eat  the  larvae  of  the  crane-fly,  a  pest  of  the  grass 
fields.  Later  in  summer  a  large  portion  of  the  food  of  many  of 
our  Snipes  consists  of  young  Rocky  Mountain  locusts  and  grass- 
hoppers. Although  their  flesh  is  considered  a  great  delicacy, 
yet  on  account  of  their  small  size  and  the  fact  that  they  feed 
upon  many  of  the  worst  enemies  of  agriculture,  their  protection 
deserves  the  encouragement  of  every  one. 

FAMILY  PHALAROPODID^E.    PHALAROPES 

223.     NORTHERN  PHALAROPE  (Lobipes  lobatus.) 

This  is  one  of  the  "Swimming  Snipes"  that  lives  much  of 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  65 

the  time  near  the  coast,  and  is  only  a  migrant  in  South  Dakota. 
It  nests  north  of  the  United  States. 

Crown  dark  gray;  throat  white;  sides  of  neck  reddish 
brown;  breast  rusty  brown;  back  dark  slate  streaked  with  buff; 
belly  white.  The  male  is  about  seven  and  one  half  inches  long, 
the  female  slightly  larger  and  with  more  rufous  plumage. 

224.  WILSON'S  PHALAROPE  (Steganopus  tricolor.) 

The  Wilson  is  larger  than  the  Northern  Phalarope  and 
usually  a  common  summer  resident.  In  earlier  years  it  nested 
abundantly  over  the  eastern  part  of  the  State.  Female :  crown 
gray ;  throat  light ;  a  black  line  extends  from  the  base  of  the  bill 
down  the  sides  of  the  neck,  blending  into  chestnut  brown;  back 
gray  patched  with  brown;  under  parts  white.  The  male  is 
slightly  smaller,  with  duller  colors  and  darker  crown.  This 
Phalarope  is  more  terrestrial  in  habit  than  No.  223. 

FAMILY  RECURVIROSTRID^E.    AVOCETS 

225.  AVOCET  (Recurvirostra  americana.) 

The  Avocet,  with  its  extremely  long  legs  and  bill  and 
very  small  body,  is  an  odd  looking  bird  and  certainly  a  true 
"wader."  During  August  it  is  fairly  common  in  migration  west 
of  the  Missouri  River  and  doubtless  breeds  occasionally  in  that 
part  of  the  State.  It  is  about  seventeen  inches  long  from  tip 
of  bill  to  end  of  tail.  Head  and  neck  rufous,  growing  lighter 
about  the  base  of  bill;  under  parts  white;  back  and  wings  black 
and  white.  The  settling  up  of  our  wild  land  is  driving  the 
Avocets  westward,  and  their  breeding  grounds  will  soon  be  re- 
stricted to  the  federal  bird  preserves  of  the  western  States. 

FAMILY  SCOLOPACIDyE.     SNIPES  AND  SANDPIPERS 
228.     WOODCOCK  (Philohela  minor.) 

Swamps  and  wet  woodlands  are  the  natural  environment 
of  the  Woodcock.  It  is  therefore  a  rare  visitant  in  South  Dakota, 
migrating  from  the  east;  and  yet  records  of  its  occurrence  are 
rather  numerous.  A  specimen  in  the  University  Museum  was 
taken  by  Mr.  H;  E.  Lee  in  Beadle  County  in  1913. 

In  contrast  with  the  Avocet  the  Woodcock  is  low  and 


•66  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH   DAKOTA 

stockily  built  and  more  nearly  resembles  the  true  Snipes.  Fore- 
head gray ;  crown  black  with  light  brown  bars ;  breast  and  belly 
rufous ;  back  and  wings  mixed  with  black,  brown  and  gray.  Bill 
about  two  and  three  quarters  inches  in  length. 

230.  WILSON'S  SNIPE  (Gallinago  deUcata.)     "JACKSNIPE." 

The  Wilson  Snipe  is  common  in  migration  over  most  of 
the  State,  but  nests  only  in  the  eastern  part  in  marshy  sloughs. 

Crown  and  back  brown;  throat  and  under  parts  light;  bill 
about  two  and  one  half  inches  in  length. 

Like  the  Woodcock,  it  has  short  legs  and  a  long  thick  bill 
and  secures  its  food  of  worms  and  insect  larvae  by  probing  into 
the  soft  moist  ground. 

231.  DOWITCHER  (Macrorhamphus  griseus  griseus.) 

This  bird  is  about  the  size  of  a  Robin  and  has  a  rough  or 
pitted  bill  slightly  over  two  inches  long.  Crown,  back  and  wings 
black,  margined  or  barred  with  rufous;  under  parts  reddish 
brown  spotted  and  barred  with  black;  rump  and  tail  barred  with 
black  and  white. 

It  is  an  eastern  species  and  out  of  its  range  in  South 
Dakota,  but  in  earlier  days  was  no  doubt  quite  abundant.  The 
specimen  in  the  University  Museum  was  taken  several  years  ago 
in  Miner  County  by  Mr.  F.  A.  Patton. 

232.  LONG-BILLED  DOWITCHER  (Macrorhamphus  griseus  scolopaceus.) 

Very  similar  to  No.  231  but  darker  on  the  under  part  and 
with  longer  bill,  averaging  nearly  three  inches.  The  females  are 
said  to  be  slightly  larger  than  the  males. 

This  is  supposed  to  be  the  western  form  of  the  Dowitcher 
but  it  is  probably  rare  in  South  Dakota  today  even  in  migration. 
Both  species  breed  in  the  Arctic  regions. 

233.  STILT  SANDPIPER  (Micropalama  himantopus.) 

This  Sandpiper  is  about  eight  incehs  long,  including  the 
bill,  which  measures  one  and  one-half  inches.  The  crown,  back 
and  wings  are  black,  mixed  with  white  and  brown.  There  is  a 
reddish  brown  line  from  bill  to  eye  and  extending  to  the  auricu- 
lars.  The  under  parts  are  white,  barred  with  black  and  brown. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  67 

This  is  an  eastern  species  and  quite  rare  at  present,  al- 
though abundant  in  earlier  days.  Two  specimens  in  the  Univer- 
sity Museum  were  taken  from  near  the  mouth  of  the  Cheyenne 
River  by  Mr.  F.  W.  Smith  in  1904. 

It  nests  in  the  Arctic  regions. 

234.     KNOT  (Tringa  Canutus.)     "  ROBIN  SNIPE." 

Another  rare  Shore  Bird  but  reported  by  Mr.  F.  A.  Pat- 
ton  as  a  common  visitor  twenty-five  years  ago. 

Above,  reddish  brown,  mixed  with  black  and  gray ;  breast 
and  belly  reddish  brown;  ten  and  one  half  inches  long;  bill  about 
one  and  one  third  inches.  Nests  within  the  Arctic  Circle. 

239.     PECTORAL  SANDPIPER  (Pisobia  maculata.) 

Fairly  common  in  South  Dakota,  only  in  migration.  This 
Snipe  nests  in  the  Arctic  regions. 

It  is  about  nine  inches  in  length;  bill  one  and  one  eighth 
inches ;  upper  parts  black,  margined  with  rufous  or  rusty  brown ; 
belly  white;  throat  and  breast  streaked  with  black;  tail  pointed. 

241.  BAIRD'S  SANDPIPER  (Pisobia  bairdi.) 

This  Sandpiper  also  breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions  and  is 
common  in  South  Dakota  in  migration. 

About  seven  and  one  half  inches  in  length;  bill  about 
seven  eighths  of  an  inch  long;  grooves  in  both  mandibles  very 
noticeable ;  upper  parts  brownish  black  with  neck  lighter ;  long- 
est wing  feathers  nearly  black;  belly  white;  throat  streaked  with 
black. 

242.  LEAST  SANDPIPER  (Pisobia  minutilla.) 

This  is  the  smallest  of  our  Sandpipers,  being  not  over  six 
inches  in  length.  Crown  and  back  black  and  reddish  brown, 
many  of  the  feathers  tipped  with  buff;  belly  white;  breast 
streaked  with  black.  Seen  in  South  Dakota  only  in  migration. 

243a.     RED-BACKED  SANDPIPER  (Pelidna  alpina  sakhalina.) 

A  rare  migrant  in  South  Dakota;  nesting  in  the  Arctic 
regions.  Back  and  crown  reddish  brown  and  black;  wings  and 
tail  gray;  belly  black;  breast  and  throat  white  streaked  with 
black;  about  eight  inches  in  length;  bill  one  and  one  half  inches 
and  slightly  curved. 


•68  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

246.     SEMIPALMATED  SANDPIPER  (Ereunetes  pusillus.) 

This  eastern  species  is  a  rare  migrant  in  our  State  and 
breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions.  Mr.  F.  A.  Patton  of  Artesian  took 
specimens  in  Miner  County  in  1896. 

It  is  one  of  the  small  Sandpipers,  averaging  slightly  over 
six  inches  in  length.  Toes  webbed  at  base;  upper  parts  black 
and  gray;  belly  white,  with  breast  slightly  mixed  with  black; 
tail  ashy  gray. 

248.  SANDERLING  (Calidris  leucophaea.) 

Another  of  the  Shore  Birds  seen  only  in  migration.  Un- 
like its  near  relatives  it  has  only  three  toes,  and  these  are  not 
partially  webbed,  as  in  the  others.  It  is  eight  inches  long  in- 
cluding a  bill  one  inch  long.  Above,  spotted  with  rusty,  black 
and  white ;  under  parts  white  except  breast,  which  is  tinged  with 
rusty  brown. 

249.  MARBLED  GODWIT  (Limosa  fedoa.) 

One  of  the  largest  of  the  Shore  Birds  which  probably 
still  nests  in  the  State,  but  not  so  frequently  as  in  earlier  days. 
Length,  eighteen  inches,  including  a  slightly  curved  bill  of  four 
inches;  back  reddish  brown;  tail  barred  with  black;  under  parts 
much  lighter  and  also  barred  with  black. 

251.     HUDSONIAN  GODWIT  (Limosa  haemastica.) 

This  Godwit  is  smaller  than  the  Marbled,  being  only  about 
fifteen  inches  long,  including  a  three  and  one  half  inch  bill,  which 
is  slightly  curved  upward.  Above,  black,  gray  and  buff:  below 
grayish,  barred  with  rufous  and  black;  usually  ocherous  on  the 
belly. 

In  the  early  days  it  was  probably  an  abundant  breeder  in 
South  Dakota  and  at  present  it  may  occasionally  be  found  nest- 
ing, but  its  natural  environment  is  being  rapidly  plowed  up  or 
tramped  down  by  stock. 

It  feeds  mostly  in  shallow  water  or  along  muddy  shores. 

254.     GREATER  YELLOW-LEGS  (Totanus  melanoleucus.) 

This  "Snipe"  is  fourteen  inches  long,  including  a  two  inch 
bill.  Legs  very  long,  slender  and  yellow;  upper  parts  grayish 
black,  margined  with  white;  tail  barred  with  black  and  white; 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  69 

under  parts  white  barred  with  black. 

It  breeds  north  of  the  United  States  and  is  usually  seen 
in  large,  migrating  flocks. 

255.  YELLOW-LEGS  (Totanus  flavipes.) 

The  plumage  of  this  "Snipe"  is  almost  identical  with  that 
of  the  Greater  Yellowlegs  but  the  bird  is  only  about  two  thirds 
as  large,  with  yellow  legs  comparative  longer.  It  rarely  nests 
as  far  south  as  our  State  and,  like  its  larger  cousin,  is  often  seen 
in  large,  migrating  flocks. 

256.  SOLITARY  SANDPIPER  (Melodramas  solitarius  solitarius.) 

Another  eastern  species  that  breeds  north  of  the  United 
States  and  is  seen  in  South  Dakota  only  in  migration.  It  is  about 
eight  inches  long,  including  the  bill,  which  is  about  one  inch  in 
length.  Above  it  is  gray  spotted  with  white.  Most  of  the  tail 
feathers  as  well  as  the  under  wing  feathers  are  barred  with 
black  and  white.  Throat  and  belly  white;  breast  streaked  with 
brownish  gray. 

This  little  Sandpiper  is  usually  seen  alone  at  the  water's 
edge  by  streams  or  pools  and  may  be  recognized  by  its  continual 
"teetering"  as  it  hunts  for  worms  and  larvae  in  the  soft  mud. 

258.     WILLET  (Catoptrophorus  semipalmatus  semipalmatus.) 

Another  Shore  Bird  with  long,  blue  legs  and  a  rather  stout 
bill  two  and  one  quarter  inches  in  length.  Upper  parts  gray 
mixed  with  brownish  black  and  buff;  below,  white  mixed  with 
black  and  buff;  larger  wing  feathers  black  with  a  broad  white 
band. 

The  specimen  in  the  University  Museum  was  taken  May 
6,  1894,  by  Mr.  F,  A.  Patton,  in  Miner  County. 

258a.     WESTERN  WILLET  (Catoptrophorus  semipalmatus  inornatus.) 

This  Willet  is  similar  to  No.  258  but  larger,  and  with  paler 
plumage,  both  above  and  below,  and  also  with  fewer  black  mark- 
ings. There  is  very  little  buff  on  the  specimen  at  hand.  Prob- 
ably it  nested  abundantly  here  in  early  days,  but  it  is  doubtful  if 
a  nest  could  be  found  at  present,  as  its  favorite  breeding  grounds 
have  been  destroyed  by  the  plow  and  the  pasturing  of  the  low 
lands. 


70  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH   DAKOTA 

261.  UPLAND  PLOVER  (Bartramia  longicauda.) 

This  Sandpiper  is  more  terrestrial  in  habits  than  its  rela- 
tive and  is  a  common  summer  resident  over  the  western  half  of 
South  Dakota.  Before  the  prairies  were  broken  up  it  nested  over 
the  entire  State.  When  alighting  it  has  the  habit  of  gracefully 
extending  the  wings  almost  perpendicularly  over  its  back.  It 
is  about  eleven  and  one  half  inches  long,  including  a  one  and  a 
quarter  inch  bill.  Above,  nearly  black,  with  feathers  edged  with 
buff;  throat  and  belly  white;  breast  and  sides  marked  with  dusky 
arrows. 

This  bird  deserves  careful  protection  by  everyone.  Nine- 
ty-seven per  cent  of  its  food  consists  of  insects,  and  over  one 
half  is  made  up  of  insects  injurious  to  crops  or  stock,  such  as 
grasshoppers,  crickets,  wire  worms  and  cut  worms,  and  larvae 
of  horseflies  and  cattle  ticks. 

262.  BUFF-BREASTED  SANDPIPER  (Tryngites  subruficollis.) 

A  rare  migrant  in  our  State.  Length  about  eight  inches. 
Above,  black,  the  feathers  margined  with  brown;  below,  buff 
with  black  spots. 

263.  SPOTTED  SANDPIPER  (Actitis  macularia.) 

This  cosmopolitan  Sandpiper  may  be  seen  during  the  sum- 
mer over  most  of  North  America.  It  inhabits  the  muddy  banks 
of  ponds  and  streams,  and  is  always  seen  alone.  From  its  "teet- 
ering" habit  it  is  often  called  "Teeter."  Seven  and  one  half 
inches  long;  brownish  gray  above,  lightly  barred  with  black; 
under  parts  white  with  black  spots. 

264.  LONG-BILLED  CURLEW  (Numenius  americanus.) 

One  of  the  largest  of  our  "Snipes,"  measuring  up  to  twen- 
ty-four inches,  including  a  bill  varying  in  length  from  four  and 
one  half  to  six  and  one  quarter  inches,  curving  downward.  Back 
and  tail  black,  barred  or  blotched  with  buff;  belly  buff;  breast 
slightly  streaked  with  grayish  brown.  Its  habits  are  more  ter- 
restrial than  most  of  the  Shore  Birds. 

Although  not  so  abundant  in  South  Dakota  as  in  early 
days  it  is  frequently  found  nesting  on  the  grassy  plains  west 
of  the  Missouri  River. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  71 

265.  HUDSONIAN  CURLEW  (Nttmenius  hudsonicus.) 

Much  smaller  than  No.  264,  only  about  seventeen  inches 
long.  Bill  three  and  one  half  inches  long  and  curved  downward ; 
crown  dusky  with  a  light  medium  stripe;  back  dusky,  slightly 
mixed  with  rufous;  under  parts  whitish;  breast  streaked;  sides 
marked  with  broken  blackish  bars. 

This  Curlew  breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions  but  may  be  seen 
in  South  Dakota  in  migration. 

266.  ESKIMO  CURLEW  (Numenius  borealis.) 

The  smallest  of  the  Curlews,  measuring  only  about  thir- 
teen inches  from  tip  of  bill  to  end  of  tail.  The  bill  is  perhaps 
slightly  over  two  inches  long.  Upper  parts  dusky,  blotched  with 
buff,  tail  barred;  under  parts  buff,  marked  with  dusky  streaks 
or  bars ;  throat  nearly  white. 

Breeds  in  the  Arctic  regions.  In  early  days  it  was  quite 
common  in  migration  but  is  now  probably  nearly  extinct. 

FAMILY  CHARADRIID;E.  PLOVERS 

270.     BLACK-BELLIED  PLOVER  (Squatarola  squatarola.) 

This  Plover  is  a  rare  migrant  which  breeds  in  the  Arctic 
regions. 

Black  and  white  on  back  and  wings;  tail  barred;  under 
parts  black  in  adults  and  white  in  the  young.  It  Has  a  very  small 
hind  toe.  The  length  is  about  eleven  inches,  including  the  bill, 
which  is  one  inch  long.  A  young  specimen  in  the  University 
Museum  was  taken  by  Mr.  J.  C.  Green  in  Minnehaha  County. 

272.  GOLDEN  PLOVER  (Charadrius  dominicus  dominions.) 

The  Golden  Plover  is  slightly  smaller  than  No.  270  and 
has  no  hind  toe.  Above  dusky  and  black,  spotted  with  golden 
yellow;  below  black.  Whitish  lines  extend  from  the  forehead 
over  the  eyes  and  down  the  sides  of  the  neck  and  breast.  The 
young  are  lighter  above  and  grayish  white  below. 

It  spends  its  nesting  season  in  the  Arctic  regions  and  is 
found  in  South  Dakota  only  during  migration. 

273.  KILLDEER  (Oxyechus  vociferus.) 

Length  about  ten  inches ;  crown  and  back  grayish,  tinged 


72  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

with  brown ;  rump  and  upper  tail  feathers  rufous ;  below,  white 
with  a  black  ring  around  neck  and  a  partial  black  ring  on  the 
breast.  It  may  be  recognized  by  its  loud  notes  uttered  while 
flying,  and  resembling,  "Killdeer !  Killdeer !" 

It  nests  commonly  over  the  State,  usually  laying  four  eggs 
in  a  slight  depression  on  rather  bare  pastures  or  gravelly  places. 
It  winters  in  the  southern  part  of  the  United  States. 

274.     SEMIPALMATED  PLOVER  (Aegialitis  semipalmata.) 

This  Plover  is  much  smaller  than  the  Killdeer,  being  only 
about  six  and  one  half  inches  long.  The  nape  and  back  are  gray- 
ish brown;  under  parts  white;  one  white  and  one  black  ring 
around  the  neck.  Breeds  in  the  northern  part  of  North  America  ; 
only  a  migrant  in  our  State. 

277.     PIPING  PLOVER  (Aegialitis  rneloda.) 

Slightly  larger  than  No.  274  but  the  bill  is  very  short. 
Above,  ashy  gray  with  the  crown  and  sides  of  breast  black; 
under  parts  white. 

In  1891  this  Plover  nested  abundantly  on  the  sandy  shore 
of  Lake  Herman,  Lake  County,  but  at  present  it  is  rarely  found 
nesting  in  the  State. 

281.     MOUNTAIN  PLOVER  (Podasocys  montanus.) 

The  Mountain  Plover  probably  nests  in  the  western  part 
of  South  Dakota,  as  small  flocks  have  been  seen  during  August 
feeding  in  prairie  dog  towns.  About  nine  inches  in  length ; 
above,  gray  and  rufous  with  a  black  crown  band ;  below,  white 
with  an  occasional  gray  tinge  on  the  breast. 

FAMILY  APHRIZID^E.    TURNSTONE 
283a.     RUDDY  TURNSTONE  (Arenaria  interpret  morinella.) 

Upper  parts  reddish  brown,  black  and  white;  throat  and 
belly  white;  breast  black,  with  a  black  band  extending  up  the 
sides  of  neck.  In  young  specimens  the  upper  parts  and  the 
breast  are  grayish  brown  and  buff.  The  body  is  about  nine 
inches  long. 

Nests  in  the  Arctic  regions ;  in  South  Dakota  only  during 
migration. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  73 

FAMILY  ODONTOPHORID^:.     BOBWHITES,  QUAILS; 
FAMILY  TETRAONID^:.     GROUSE 

These  families  include  such  well  known  birds  as  our  Prai- 
rie Chicken,  Prairie  Sharp-tailed  Grouse  and  Bobwhite  or  Quail. 
They  are  of  great  economic  value,  not  only  as  excellent  game 
birds,  but  because  during  the  summer  months  a  very  large  part 
of  their  food  consists  of  injurious  insects. 

Quails  or  Bobwhites  followed  the  farmer  westward.  The 
first  record  of  these  birds  in  the  State,  as  far  as  known,  was  in 
1872  when  Dr.  Elliott  Coues,  the  noted  ornithologist,  took  speci- 
mens at  Fort  Randall.  They  are  non-migratory,  and  many  per- 
ish if  caught  in  severe  snowstorms  without  artificial  feeding  and 
protection.  Whole  coveys  have  been  found  frozen  or  starved 
to  death  upon  the  melting  of  snow  in  spring.  In  summer  they 
feed  on  insects,  and  usually  upon  those  that  are  injurious  to 
crops,  such  as  grasshoppers,  chinch  bugs,  crickets,  etc. 

Prairie  Chickens,  which  were  formerly  native  to  the  Mis- 
sissippi Valley  States  farther  south,  also  followed  the  farmer 
into  the  northern  prairie  States,  where  they  were  very  abundant 
until  a  few  years  ago.  They  are  rather  scarce  today,  because 
the  land  has  become  , thickly  settled  and  they  have  been  per- 
sistently hunted. 

After  the  grain  is  cut  they  resort  to  stubble  fields,  where 
they  feed  on  insects  and  the  fruit  and  leaves  of  the  wild  rose. 
Very  little  grain  is  eaten  until  winter.  When  the  ground  is 
covered  with  snow  they  resort  to  corn  fields,  where  they  eat 
only  a  portion  of  the  extra  corn  that  the  farmer  has  been  per- 
mitted to  raise  because  they  reduce  injurious  insects  to  the 
minimum. 

On  December  27,  1915,  the  crop  and  stomach  of  a  Prairie 
Chicken  was  examined  and  the  contents  consisted  of  timothy  and 
red  clover  leaves  and  a  few  weed  seed,  but  not  a  single  kernel 
of  grain  was  found.  There  was  no  snow  on  the  ground.  The 
same  week  the  crop  and  stomach  of  a  Ring-necked  Pheasant 
taken  in  the  same  locality  was  examined  and  the  following  found : 
132  kernels  of  corn,  twenty-five  kernels  of  oats,  and  a  few  seeds 
each  of  wild  sunflower,  pigeon  grass,  and  smartweed. 

Although   Prairie   Chickens  gather  in  flocks  in  the  fall, 


74  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

they  migrate  only  a  few  miles,  perhaps  to  find  more  suitable 
feeding  grounds. 

The  Prairie  Sharp-tailed  Grouse  once  inhabited  the  whole 
State,  but  they  do  not  take  kindly  to  civilization.  At  present 
they  live  in  open  thickets  along  the  Missouri  River  and  westward 
in  the  Black  Hills.  Their  numbers  have  been  greatly  depleted 
by  incoming  settlers,  but  in  the  future  they  will  probably  hold 
their  own  as  they  are  wary  birds  and  will  select  the  most  se- 
cluded areas  for  breeding  grounds.  In  summer  they  live  largely 
on  insects,  while  in  winter  they  depend  mostly  on  weed  seeds 
and  berries.  During  deep  snows  they  occasionally  resort  to 
corn  fields  for  a  meal. 

The  Ruffed  Grouse  is  probably  found  within  the  State  only 
in  the  Black  Hills,  although  one  may  occasionally  be  found  on 
the  west  shore  of  Big  Stone  Lake,  across  from  Minnesota.  In 
the  latter  case  it  would  be  the  eastern  species  or  "red  phase," 
while  the  native  of  the  Black  Hills  is  the  western  species  or 
"gray  phase."  Its  natural  haunts  are  wooded  hillsides  and  deep 
ravines,  where  it  feeds  on  insects,  buds  and  wild  berries.  These 
beautiful  birds  are  not  abundant  and  will  in  time  become  quite 
rare,  as  they  are  continually  hunted  for  sport  and  food.  How- 
ever, under  present  conditions  the  Ruffed  Grouse  will  probably 
be  the  last  of  our  game  birds  to  become  extinct. 

All  members  of  the  Grouse  family  are  highly  favored  with 
protective  coloration.  This  is  especially  noticeable  in  the  two 
species  of  Ruffed  Grouse.  The  plumage  of  the  eastern  form  or 
"red  phase,"  has  the  tinge  of  reddish  autumn  leaves,  while  that 
of  the  western  or  "gray  phase"  in  the  Black  Hills  has  the  tinge 
of  dead  gray  pine  needles.  In  their  natural  haunts  it  is  almost 
impossible  to  see  either  bird  before  it  is  flushed,  so  nearly  do 
they  match  the  background  of  their  native  woods. 

The  Grouse  family  must  be  protected  and  allowed  to  in- 
crease in  South  Dakota.  Upon  the  Prairie  Chicken,  Quail  and 
Grouse  we  must  depend  for  assistance  in  keeping  down  the  ever 
increasing  number  of  injurious  insects,  such  as  grasshoppers, 
crickets,  chinch  bugs,  army  and  wire  worms,  and  beetles.  Years 
ago  Shore  Birds  were  abundant  in  South  Dakota  and  lived  on 
these  insects,  thus  helping  to  balance  nature;  but  Shore  Birds 
have  been  forced  from  the  State,  never  to  return,  because  their 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  75 

natural  haunts  have  been  destroyed  by  the  drainage  and  cultiva- 
tion of  all  the  wild  land.  Prairie  Chickens,  Quail  and  Grouse 
constitute  the  only  big  family  of  birds  that  can  take  their  place  in 
successfully  keeping  down  insects. 

Our  game  laws  are  adequate  but  sadly  disregarded  by  a 
large  portion  of  our  population. 

289.     BOBWHITE  (Colinus  virginianus  virginianus.) 

The  "Quail"  is  one  of  our  most  valuable  and  best  known 
birds.  However,  it  is  shy  and  said  to  be  very  difficult  of  domes- 
tication; yet  it  is  never  found  far  away  from  civilization.  It  is 
now  found  over  the  State  except,  perhaps,  in  the  northwestern 
part ;  but  it  is  not  abundant  and  never  will  be  unless  given  more 
protection.  It  is  not  a  migratory  bird,  seldom  moving  a  mile 
from  where  it  was  raised;  it  is  therefore  placed  at  the  mercy  of 
our  severe  winters  with  their  deep  snow.  During  the  fall  low 
rude  pole  sheds  should  be  erected  in  thickets  and  covered  with 
straw  or  fodder  to  afford  protection :  they  should  be  quite  large 
and  banked  on  two  sides,  so  that  snow  will  not  fill  them  com- 
pletely. In  these  sheds  a  few  handfuls  of  grain  should  be  scat- 
tered often  enough  to  attract  the  birds  and  keep  them  familiar 
with  the  surroundings.  They  should  also  be  fed  now  and  then 
during  deep  snow.  When  there  is  little  or  no  snow  they  have 
no  trouble  in  securing  weed  seeds,  of  which  each  "Quail"  will 
devour  many  pounds  during  a  winter  season.  In  the  summer 
their  food  consists  principally  of  insects,  hence  we  can  readily 
see  that  they  are  continually  working  for  the  farmer  and  that 
he  can  well  afford  to  offer  the  little  fellows  the  small  protec- 
tion and  food  that  are  necessary  to  help  through  the  severe 
snow  storms. 

The  Bobwhite  is  about  nine  inches  in  length.  In  the  male 
the  throat,  forehead  and  line  over  eye  are  white,  bordered  with 
black;  while  in  the  female  these  white  markings  around  the  head 
are  buffy  or  dull.  The  body  is  brownish  red  mixed  with  white 
and  black. 

297.     DUSKY  GROUSE  (Dendragapus  obscurus  obscurus.) 

"FooL  HEX." 

This  Grouse  is  rare  in  South  Dakota,  but  a  few  may  be 
seen  in  or  near  the  Black  Hills.  It  is  one  of  the  largest  of  our 


76  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

Grouse,  measuring  in  length  from  eighteen  to  twenty  inches. 
The  back  of  the  male  is  dark  slate  mixed  with  brown  and  gray ; 
below  it  is  light  slate.  The  tail  is  dark  slate  fully  barred  on  the 
back.  Like  all  true  Grouse  it  is  feathered  on  the  legs,  but  not 
so  persistently  as  the  Sharp-tailed  Grouse.  The  Dusky  Grouse  is 
a  bird  of  the  mountains,  usually  found  in  the  evergreen  zone. 
It  feeds  on  berries  and  insects. 

300b.     GRAY  RUFFED  GROUSE  (Bonasa  umbellus  umbelloides.) 

An  annual  resident  and  rather  abundant  in  the  Black 
Hills.  This  is  the  Partridge  or  Pheasant  of  wooded  areas  east  o 
Minnesota  and  the  Mississippi  River,  except  that  its  general 
color  is  grayish  instead  of  mixed  rusty  brown.  About  seventeen 
inches  long;  head  slightly  crested  with  gray;  body  gray,  mixed 
with  rufous  and  black ;  tail  mixed  gray  with  a  wide  slate  colored 
band  near  the  tip.  Both  male  and  female  have  back  neck  tufts, 
hence  the  name. 

The  male  produces  his  drumming  sound  by  rapidly  beat- 
ing his  wings,  usually  while  perched  on  a  log.  They  are  fre- 
quently found  in  deep  woods  feeding  on  berries,  buds  and  insects. 

305.     PRAIRIE  CHICKEN  (Tympc.nuchu$  amencanus  americanus.) 

The  male  is  eighteen  inches  in  length;  female  slightly 
smaller ;  alike  in  color ;  irregularly  barred  with  black  and  rufous, 
with  some  white  on  wings  and  tail;  under  parts  barred  with 
white,  dark  brown  and  buff;  front  and  side  of  legs  covered  with 
short,  downy  feathers;  head  slightly  crested.  On  the  sides  of 
the  neck  there  are  tufts  of  feathers,  which,  when  extended,  re- 
semble small  wings.  These  tufts  cover  a  yellow,  bare  sac  that 
is  capable  of  being  expanded  by  the  male  to  the  size  of  a  small 
lemon.  The  function  of  this  inflated  sac  is  perhaps  not  definitely 
known  but  it  is  thought  to  connect  by  a  canal  with  the  windpipe 
and  thus  assist  in  producing  that  "booming"  sound  which  is  so 
often  heard,  especially  during  the  early  spring. 

Their  nesting  place  is  usually  in  meadows,  but  an  un- 
plowed  strip  of  wild  hay  land  is  sometimes  preferred. 

A  closed  hunting  season  for  a  few  years,  and  the  creating 
of  public  sentiment  for  law  enforcement,  are  much  needed  to  in- 
crease Prairie  Chickens  in  sufficient  numbers  to  make  them  of 
economic  importance,  either  as  game  birds  or  insect  destroyers. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  77 

308b.     PRAIRIE  SHARP-TAILED  GROUSE  (Pedioecetes  phasianellus 
campestris.) 

This  Grouse  is  slightly  smaller  than  the  Prairie  Chicken, 
though  similar  in  color.  It  has  more  white  on  wings  and  under 
parts,  and  V-shaped  instead  of  bar-shaped  markings.  It  has  a 
small  head  crest,  but  no  neck  tufts.  The  tail  narrows  to  a  sharp 
point,  and  the  legs  are  more  heavily  feathered  than  in  the  Prairie 
Chicken. 

Its  nesting  places  are  open  thickets  and  grassy  flats  along 
the  Missouri  River  and  westward.  Late  in  the  fall  several 
coveys  may  flock  together  and  migrate  a  short  distance,  perhaps 
for  more  favorable  feeding  grounds.  It  should,  however,  be 
classed  as  one  of  our  resident  birds. 

309.     SAGE  HEN   (Centrocercus  urophasianus.) 

The  largest  of  our  Grouse,  the  males  measuring  up  to 
twenty-nine  inches  and  the  females  to  twenty-two.  The  sexes 
do  not  differ  much  in  color.  Back  variegated  with  black,  white 
and  buff;  under  parts  whitish  with  black  areas;  long  tail  feathers 
of  the  male  pointed,  having  the  appearance  of  being  worn  off; 
legs  feathered. 

They  formerly  inhabited  the  whole  western  half  of  the 
State,  but  are  now  limited  in  range  to  Fall  River,  Butte  and 
Harding  counties.  They  are  usually  found  in  sagebrush  regions 
and  feed  on  sage  buds  and  insects,  the  latter  principally  grass- 
hoppers. Their  nesting  places  are  usually  under  or  near  a  clump 
of  sagebrush,  or  along  sparsely  grass  covered  creek  flats. 

They  are  not  eagerly  sought  after  by  hunters,  as  the  flesh 
has  a  rather  strong  sage  taste. 

RING-NECKED  PHEASANT  (Phasianus  torquatus.) 

This  bird  was  originally  from  China  and  is  known  in  some 
localities  as  the  Chinese  Pheasant.  It  has,  however,  been  crossed 
with  the  English  Pheasant,  Phasianus  colchius,  and  specimens 
without  the  white  neck  ring  are  hybrids. 

This  beautiful  Pheasant  was  introduced  into  South  Da- 
kota several  years  ago  and  is  living  in  a  semi-wild  state.  In 
some  localities  it  is  said  to  be  increasing  rapidly;  but  it  is  per- 
haps too  early  to  say  whether  or  not  it  is  really  a  valuable  addi- 
tion to  our  list  of  game  birds. 


78  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

FAMILY  MELEAGRID^:.    TURKEYS 
310a.     WILD  TURKEY  (Meleagris  gallopavo  silvestris.) 

There  are  no  Wild  Turkeys  in  South  Dakota  today,  but 
until  about  1875  they  were  frequently  hunted  for  food  by  the 
early  settlers  in  Union  and  Clay  counties.  In  the  diary  of  Cap- 
tain Lewis,  of  the  Lewis  and  Clark  expedition,  of  date  Septem- 
ber 5,  1804,  it  is  stated  that,  at  a  point  up  the  Missouri  River 
145  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  Sioux,  their  hunters  brought  in 
among  other  game  "some  wild  turkeys."  The  diary  also  states 
that  "3  wild  turkeys  were  secured"  at  a  point  just  above  the 
present  site  of  old  Fort  Randall. 

The  Wild  Turkey  is  about  the  size  of  the  common  Turkey 
but  of  a  uniform  color,  the  plumage  being  a  rusty  black  with 
the  rump  and  tail  feathers  a  reddish  brown,  while  the  larger 
wing  feathers  are  grayish. 

Today  the  Wild  Turkey  is  nearly  extinct  in  the  United 
States  and  it  is  doubtful  if  many  of  the  present  generation  will 
ever  see  a  specimen  of  the  ancestor  of  our  domestic  Turkey, 
which  is  so  much  appreciated  at  our  Thanksgiving  dinners. 

FAMILY  COLUMBIM:.  PIGEONS 

315.     PASSENGER  PIGEON,  WILD  PIGEON  (Ectopistes  migratorius.) 

While  the  range  of  the  Passenger  Pigeon  was  usually 
farther  east,  old  South  Dakota  settlers  reported  its  occurrence 
quite  frequently  in  our  southeastern  tier  of  counties. 

It  can  perhaps  be  said  that  for  one  hundred  years  the 
Passenger  Pigeon  was  one  of  the  most  abundant  birds  in  the 
eastern  half  of  North  America.  Their  numbers  in  migration 
could  be  compared  to  those  of  migrating  buffaloes  on  the  western 
plains.  It  would  take  hours  for  either  a  flock  of  Pigeons  or  a 
herd  of  buffaloes  to  pass  a  given  point.  A  flock  of  Pigeons 
would,  for  a  time,  shut  off  the  sun's  rays,  while  a  massive  herd 
of  buffaloes  would  often  prevent  the  movement  of  trains  on 
the  frontier  until  the  great  mass  had  passed  over  the  track. 
But  the  fate  of  the  buffalo  is  the  counterpart  of  that  of  the  Pi- 
geon. 

One  of  the  writers  saw  Passenger  Pigeons  in  abundance 
in  Illinois  in  the  early  seventies,  but  in  describing  them  at  this 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  79- 

date  memory  only  recalls  that  in  general  appearance  they  very 
much  resembled  our  Mourning  Dove,  except  that  the  Pigeon 
was  a  third  larger.  It  is  also  likely  that  the  head  of  the  Pigeon 
was  slaty  while  that  of  the  Dove  is  buffy.  Their  food  consisted 
of  acorns,  berries,  weed  seeds  and  grain.  They  were  gregarious 
in  nesting  habits,  building  slight  nests  of  fine  twigs  and  laying 
one  or  two  white  eggs,  which  were  somewhat  larger  than  those 
of  the  Mourning  Dove. 

316.   1.     WESTERN  MOURNING  DOVE  (Zenaidura  macroura 
marginella.) 

A  common  bird  over  the  entire  State.  It  comes  early  it> 
the  spring  and  remains  till  late  autumn.  Specimens  have  been, 
seen  in  Clay  County  even  in  January.  This  Dove  is  about  eleven, 
inches  in  length.  The  forehead  and  sides  of  head  are  buff;  top 
of  head  and  back  slate  or  slaty  brown.  The  male  has  under 
parts  of  buff  with  iridescent  neck  feathers,  while  the  female  is 
paler,  with  breast  more  grayish  brown. 

The  very  slight  nest  is  placed  in  low  trees,  or  sometimes 
on  the  ground.  They  frequently  use  old  nests  of  other  birds, 
but  always  place  a  few  weed  stems  in  the  old  nests  for  their 
eggs  and  young  to  rest  upon.  Their  principal  diet  is  weed  seeds, 
of  which  they  devour  vast  quantities,  as  many  as  9,200  having 
been  found  in  a  single  bird's  stomach. 


80  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

RAPTORES 


The  Raptores  are  divided  into  six  families,  which  include 
the  Vultures,  Eagles,  Hawks  and  Owls,  etc.  About  thirty-five 
species  of  these  families  are  represented  in  South  Dakota.  Most 
of  them  are  summer  residents:  the  Great  Horned  and  Screech 
Owls  and  Eagles  are  annual  residents:  the  Snowy  Owl  and  the 
Goshawk  are  winter  residents,  and  individuals  of  other  species 
may  occasionally  spend  a  winter  in  the  State. 

Perhaps  no  other  class  of  birds  is  of  greater  economic 
value  to  our  agricultural  interests,  although  none  is  less  appre- 
ciated. Of  the  thirty-five  species,  at  least  thirty  are  working 
day  or  night  to  keep  down  the  great  armies  of  mice,  gophers 
and  larger  insects,  such  as  grasshoppers  and  crickets,  which 
destroy  millions  of  dollars  worth  of  crops  every  year.  And  yet 
the  average  citizen  seems  proud  of  positive  knowledge,  as  he 
thinks,  that  every  Hawk  and  Owl  lives  especially  to  feed  upon 
his  poultry.  Many  of  our  boys  are  given  guns  and  allowed  to 
destroy  innocent  life,  perhaps  even  ordered  by  their  parents  to 
"kill  every  Hawk  in  sight."  This  is  the  reason  that  our  so- 
called  sportsmen,  while  hunting,  slay  every  Hawk  and  Owl  that 
cross  their  paths.  Will  we  ever  be  educated  up  to  the  point 
where  public  sentiment  is  against  this  everlasting  murder, 
murder,  murder  of  innocent  life? 

Sufficient  investigations  and  examination  of  the  contents 
of  stomachs  of  these  birds  at  different  seasons  have  been  made 
by  the  Biological  Survey,  Department  of  Agriculture,  to  justify 
them  in  making  authoritative  statements  as  to  the  character  of 
Hawks  and  Owls  in  the  United  States.  Every  Hawk  or  Owl  of 
South  Dakota,  whether  resident  or  migratory,  will  be  described 
in  this  bulletin  to  further  aid  the  public  in  identifying  the  species 
that  should  be  protected. 

FAMILY  CATHARTID;E.  AMERICAN  VULTURES 

325.     TURKEY  VULTURE:  TURKEY  BUZZARD  (Cathartes  aura 
septentrionaJis.) 

These  large  birds  are  frequently  seen  during  the  summer 
along  the  Missouri  River  and  over  the  western  half  of  the  State, 
especially  in  the  bad  lands.  They  have  been  known  to  nest  in 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  81 

Harding  County,  which  is  the  northwestern  corner  county  of 
the  State. 

Length  about  thirty  inches;  head  and  neck  bare,  with 
red  skin;  balance  of  body  brownish  black,  except  under  wings 
and  tail,  where  it  is  grayish. 

Their  food  consists  entirely  of  carrion,  so  that  they  are  of 
inestimable  value  as  scavengers. 

Farther  south  they  usually  nest  in  hollow  logs,  but  in 
our  State  they  use  shelves  under  overhanging  cliffs  in  the  bad- 
lands. Eggs  usually  two,  white,  and  somewhat  larger  than  that 
of  the  domestic  Chicken. 

One  noticeable  characteristic  in  the  flight  of  this  bird  is 
its  ability  to  sail  or  soar  for  hours  with  very  few  wing  move- 
ments. 

326.  BLACK  VULTURE  (Gatharista  urubu.) 

Sometimes  called  Carrion  Crow.  This  Vulture  is  a  rare 
straggler  during  the  summer  in  South  Dakota.  Although  some- 
what shorter  than  the  preceding  it  is  heavier  in  weight.  Head 
and  neck  bare,  with  black  skin ;  balance  of  body  black. 

FAMILY   BUTEONIDJE.    KITES,   HAWKS,   EAGLES 

327.  SWALLOW-TAILED  KITE  (Elanoides  forficatus.) 

A  rare  visitor  in  our  State  during  the  summer  months. 
Length  about  twenty-four  inches,  but  the  long,  forked  tail  com- 
prises over  half ;  head,  neck  and  under  parts  white ;  back,  wings 
and  tail  bluish  black.  Their  food  consists  of  large  insects  and 
snakes. 

331.     MARSH  HAWK  (Circus  hudsonius.) 

A  very  common  Hawk  and  well  distributed  over  th^ 
State.  The  male  is  about  twenty  inches  long;  above,  bluish 
gray,  with  the  ends  of  the  long  wings  much  darker;  throat  and 
breast  ashy  gray;  belly  white;  tail  usually  with  seven  dark 
bands.  Female  about  twenty-two  inches  long;  above,  dark 
brown,  sometimes  mixed  with  cinnamon  or  whitish  spots ;  under 
parts  whitish  streaked  with  brown.  The  young  resemble  the 
female  but  are  usually  darker.  A  distinguishing  mark  of  the 
Marsh  Hawk  is  its  white  rump,  plainly  seen  as  the  bird  flies 


82  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

over  meadows  and  weed  fields  in  search  of  small  rodents.  In 
proportion  to  its  size  the  wings  and  tail  are  longer  than  in  other 
Hawks.  The  nest  is  always  placed  on  the  ground  in  tall  grass 
or  buck-brush  thickets.  This  Hawk  should  never  be  killed,  and 
everyone,  farmers  in  particular,  should  become  familiar  with  it 
and  aid  in  its  protection.  Mice  and  gophers  comprise  the  bulk 
of  its  food.  Of  124  stomachs  examined  by  the  Biological  Sur- 
vey, Department  of  Agriculture,  forty-five  per  cent  had  fed  on 
mice,  eighteen  per  cent  on  other  small  mammals,  twenty-eight  per 
cent  on  reptiles,  frogs  and  insects,  and  only  a  low  percentage  on 
poultry  and  small  birds.  In  1910  a  pair  nested  within  thirty 
rods  of  a  farm  house  in  Perkins  County.  Their  family  con- 
sisted of  five  young,  and  as  far  as  known  not  a  single  member  of 
the  poultry  yard  was  molested. 

One  should  not  be  surprised  if  the  young  birds,  while 
beginning  to  feed  themselves,  and  with  that  ravenous  appetite 
which  all  young  creatures  have,  should  sometimes  take  a  young 
Chicken.  This  might  be  done  occasionally  in  the  immediate 
neighborhood  of  their  nest,  when  the  fields  have  been  searched 
for  mice  and  gophers  during  the  summer  by  the  parent  Hawks. 
However,  the  harm  they  do  is  negligible  compared  with  the 
vast  amount  they  save  the  farmers  each  season. 

332.  SHARP-SHINNED  HAWK  (Accipiter  velox.) 

One  of  our  smaller  Hawks,  measuring  only  from  eleven 
to  thirteen  inches  in  length,  and  not  as  common  as  the  Marsh 
Hawk.  The  female  is  longer  than  the  male  but  the  extra  length 
of  her  tail  makes  the  difference.  Back  dark  slate;  head  and 
neck  usually  more  or  less  streaked  with  brown  and  white ;  under 
parts  including  wings  barred  with  white  and  rufous;  tail  with 
four  bars.  Of  the  stomachs  examined  by  the  Biological  Survey, 
Department  of  Agriculture,  ninety-four  per  cent  of  the  contents 
showed  small  birds  and  young  poultry.  This  Hawk  should  be 
destroyed  with  the  same  care  that  we  use  in  protecting  the 
Marsh  Hawk.  But  no  Hawk  should  ever  be  killed  until  one  is 
sure  what  species  he  is  killing.  The  destructive  Hawks  are  the 
exception,  the  beneficial  ones  the  rule. 

333.  COOPER'S  HAWK  (Accipiter  cooperi.)  "CHICKEN  HAWK/' 

This  Hawk  is  found  quite  generally  over  the  State.     Its 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  83 

plumage  is  similar  to  that  of  the  last,  but  the  bird  is  larger, 
measuring  from  fifteen  to  nineteen  inches.  The  female  is 
longer  than  the  male  but  the  difference,  as  in  the  Sharp-shinned 
is  in  the  extra  length  of  tail. 

The  food  of  this  Hawk  is  about  the  same  as  that  of  the 
Sharp-shinned,  and  the  bird  should  be  persecuted  with  the  same 
earnestness.  Being  larger  than  the  Sharp-shinned  it  will  prob- 
ably destroy  more  poultry. 

334.     GOSHAWK  (Astur  atricapillus  atricapillus.)     "HEN  HAWK/' 

This  Hawk  usually  nests  in  the  northern  part  of  North 
America  and  is  regarded  as  only  a  winter  visitor,  although  it 
probably  nests  sometimes  in  our  State.  Length  from  twenty 
to  twenty-four  inches;  female  slightly  larger;  back  bluish  gray; 
crown  and  area  back  of  eyes  black;  white  line  over  eyes;  under 
parts  white,  irregularly  finely  barred  with  gray,  and  with  occa- 
sional black  streaks  extending  lengthwise ;  tail  with  four  or  five 
blackish  bars. 

If  this  Hawk  were  a  summer  resident  it  would  probably 
be  the  most  destructive  of  all  Hawks  to  poultry,  as,  on  account 
of  its  large  size,  it  is  capable  of  carrying  away  full-grown  hens. 
It  also  destroys  many  game  birds  such  as  Quail,  Grouse  and 
Prairie  Chickens.  It  therefore  comes  in  the  list  of  harmful 
Hawks  and  should  be  killed. 

337.     RED-TAILED  HAWK  (Buteo  borealis  borealis.) 

A  rather  common  Hawk  over  most  of  the  State  during  the 
nesting  season;  twenty  to  twenty-five  inches  in  length,  the  fe- 
male larger;  tail  usually  reddish  brown,  tipped  with  white  and 
a  subterminal  black  band,  although  occasionally  one  will  be  seen 
with  several  narrow  black  bars  on  the  tail.  Above,  blackish 
brown,  the  brown-tipped  crown  feathers  showing  white  when 
raised.  Under  parts  whitish,  usually  with  a  dark  area  across 
the  belly.  In  the  young  the  upper  tail  surface  is  often  grayish 
with  several  darker  bars.  The  plumage  of  the  Red-tailed  Hawks 
varies  in  color  so  that  it  is  impossible  to  give  a  description  that 
will  apply  to  all  individuals. 

This  Hawk  is  heavier  than  the  preceding  species  although 
its  length  is  the  same,  and  it  is  not  so  agile  in  flight.  Examina- 
tion of  many  stomachs  reveals  the  fact  that  it  lives  on  snakes, 
mice  and  other  small  rodents  and  should  be  protected. 


84  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

337a.     KRIDER'S  HAWK  (Buteo  borealis  krideri.) 

The  Krider  Hawk  is  a  subspecies  of  the  Red-tail  and 
similiar  but  lighter  in  plumage,  being  nearly  white  on  the  under 
parts.  It  is  of  the  same  size  and  has  the  same  feeding  and  nest- 
ing habits.  A  few  specimens  have  been  taken  in  our  State. 

339.     RED-SHOULDERED  HAWK  (Buteo  lineatus  lineatus.) 

As  far  as  we  know  this  Hawk  is  rare  in  South  Dakota,  its 
principal  range  being  east  of  us. 

Among  specimens  taken  in  this  range  the  male  is  about 
twenty  inches  in  length  and  the  female  twenty-two.  Farther 
south  they  are  smaller.  Above,  dark  reddish  brown,  shading  to 
rich  brown  on  wings;  head,  neck,  and  under  parts  rufous,  more 
or  less  streaked  with  light  and  dark ;  tail  with  several  light  nar- 
row bands,  and  tipped  with  white.  Young  usually  darker  above 
and  lighter  below. 

Its  feeding  and  nesting  habits  are  much  the  same  as  those 
of  the  preceding  species  and  it  should  therefore  be  protected. 

342.     SWAINSON'S  HAWK  (Buteo  sicainsoni.) 

In  abundance  this  Hawk  ranks  next  to  the  Marsh  Hawk 
in  our  State,  being  rather  more  common  west  of  the  Missouri 
River,  where  it  nests  in  cottonwood  trees  along  wooded  creeks. 

In  size  it  is  about  the  same  as  the  Red-shouldered,  viz., 
twenty  to  twenty-two  inches.  Swainson's  Hawk  has  such  a  wide 
variation  in  plumage  that  any  description  must  be  of  only  gen- 
eral application.  Adults,  on  the  back,  usually  plain  sooty  brown ; 
throat  nearly  white,  with  under  parts  buff  or  tawny,  blotched 
with  brown  of  the  same  shade  as  the  back;  flanks  usually 
barred;  under  tail  dark  slate  crossed  with  several  zigzag  black 
bars;  a  wider  band  near  the  tip.  The  young  are  usually  much 
darker,  many  specimens  running  to  plain  soot  brown  both  above 
and  below,  sometimes  showing  a  rufous  tinge  and  bars  on  the 
flanks. 

These  Hawks  are  said  to  nest  on  the  ground  and  on  cliffs 
as  well  as  in  trees.  Like  many  of  our  larger  species  they  will 
at  times  take  possession  of  a  last  year's  Crow's  nest.  Their  food 
consists  of  mice,  gophers,  large  grasshoppers  and  crickets. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  85 

343.     BROAD-WINGED  HAWK  (Buteo  platypterus.) 

This  bird  is  only  fairly  common  in  South  Dakota.  Its 
range  is  farther  east.  Size  fifteen  to  eighteen  inches,  the  female 
larger.  Upper  parts  dark  brown ;  feathers  on  nape  white  at  base ; 
under  parts  irregularly  barred  with  white  and  buff;  under  tail 
with  two  white  bands  and  a  white  tip.  The  young  are  usually 
much  darker  both  above  and  below.  The  belly  is  not  barred 
but  is  streaked  with  blackish  brown  and  tawny.  On  September 
25,  1915,  a  young  specimen  was  sent  to  the  University  Museum 
and,  upon  examination,  the  crop  and  stomach  showed  the  fol- 
lowing contents :  thirteen  large  grasshoppers,  two  field  mice,  and 
one  frog.  These  would  be  sufficient  food  for  this  Hawk  for  not 
more  than  one  day.  A  similar  supply  would  be  used  daily 
throughout  August  and  September,  when  mice  and  grasshoppers 
are  most  destructive  to  ripening  crops.  The  Hawks  are  each 
worth  fifteen  dollars  annually  to  the  farmers  of  South  Dakota 
because  they  devour  mice  and  grasshoppers  that  would  destroy 
crops  of  that  vlaue. 

347a.     ROUGH-LEGGED  HAWK  (Archibuteo  lagopus  sanctl-johannis.) 

This  Hawk  nests  north  of  the  United  States  and  comes  to 
us  as  a  spring  and  fall  migrant. 

The  male  is  about  twenty,  and  the  female  about  twenty- 
two  inches  in  length.  On  account  of  its  remarkable  variation  in 
plumage  the  bird  is  difficult  of  description.  The  fact  that  it  is 
feathered  to  the  toes,  however,  easily  distinguishes  it  from  any 
Hawk  thus  far  listed  from  South  Dakota.  The  back  and  upper 
wing  feathers  are  usually  dark  slaty  black,  mingled  with  reddish 
brown  or  buff,  the  head  and  hind  neck  being  lighter.  The  under 
parts  are  buff  mixed  with  black,  except  that  on  the  lower  belly 
there  is  usually  a  very  dark  area.  The  under  tail  is  nearly  white 
with  a  black  band  near  the  tip.  The  young  average  darker  than 
the  adults. 

Its  diet  of  mice,  gophers,  grasshoppers,  frogs  and  snakes 
easily  places  it  in  the  protective  list. 

348.     FERRUGINOUS  ROUGH-LEG  (Anchibuteo  ferruameus.) 

This  Hawk  is  slightly  larger  than  the  preceding,  measur- 
ing from  twenty-two  to  twenty-five  inches  in  length,  the  female 
being  the  larger.  Like  the  Rough-legged  Hawk,  it  is  feathered 


S6  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

to  the  toes.  Under  parts  usually  white  the  entire  length;  leg 
feathers  barred  with  brown ;  back  and  upper  wing  feathers  red- 
dish brown  streaked  with  black;  head  and  neck  streaked  with 
black  and  white.  The  young  are  much  darker. 

These  birds  are  not  abundant  in  South  Dakota,  and  they 
should  never  be  killed,  as  they  are  very  destructive  of  small  ro- 
dents and  large  insects. 

349.     GOLDEN  EAGLE  (Aquila  chrysaetos.) 

This  Eagle  is  quite  common  in  western  South  Dakota 
though  rare  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State  during  the  winter. 
It  nests  in  the  badlands  and  forest  reserves.  Length  about  three 
feet ;  plumage  dark  brown  more  or  less  mixed  with  light  brown ; 
head  and  back  of  neck  grayish ;  under  side  of  wings  and  tail  with 
white  spots,  which  increase  in  extent  with  age. 

The  nest,  which  is  built  of  sticks,  is  usually  a  bulky  af- 
fair, and  is  sometimes  placed  on  a  rock  ledge  or  in  a  high  tree. 
The  same  pair  will  use  the  old  nest  with  slight  repairing  year 
after  year. 

Eagles  live  on  rodents,  game  birds,  and  even  lambs.  When 
they  become  too  numerous  in  a  neighborhood  they  must  be  class- 
ed as  destructive. 

Among  the  North  American  Indians  the  tail  feathers  of 
the  Golden  Eagle  have  always  been  considered  a  symbol  of 
power,  either  in  war  or  the  chase,  consequently  they  have  been 
in  great  demand.  One  pony,  or  more  if  the  feathers  were  nearly 
white,  was  the  price  for  a  set  of  twelve. 

The  Sioux  Indians  adopted  a  unique  method  of  captur- 
ing the  Eagle.  A  pit  was  dug  large  enough  for  a  brave  to  secrete 
himself  in.  This  was  covered  over  with  brush  and  grass  to  re- 
semble the  surrounding  surface  and  a  bait  placed  on  the  cover- 
ing. When  the  Eagle  alighted  for  his  meal  he  was  captured  by 
the  occupant  of  the  pit  clutching  his  legs.  Many  are  now  caught 
during  the  winter  in  the  western  part  of  the  State  in  steel  traps 
set  for  wolves  and  coyotes. 

352.     BALD  EAGLE  (Haliaeetus  leucocephalus  leucocephalus.) 

The  Bald  Eagle  rarely  nests  in  South  Dakota,  but  is  fre- 
quently seen  during  the  winter  months.  It  is  slightly  smaller 
than  the  Golden  Eagle  and  the  adults  are  easily  distinguished 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  87 

from  the  latter  by  the  white  head,  neck  and  tail.  The  balance  of 
the  body  is  dark  brown,  and  the  legs  bare.  During  the  first 
year  the  young  are  nearly  black,  including  the  head;  the  second 
year  they  are  gray,  and  not  until  the  third  year  do  they  take  on 
the  plumage  of  the  adults.  Their  nesting  and  feeding  habits  are 
similar  to  those  of  the  Golden  Eagle. 

The  Bald  Eagle  is  used  as  our  national  emblem,  and  is 
represented  on  our  different  coins. 

During  the  Civil  War  the  8th  Wisconsin  Regiment  carried 
a  Bald  Eagle  as  a  mascot.  It  was  known  as  "Old  Abe,"  and 
became  a  noted  bird,  being  exhibited  at  Philadelphia  during  the 
Centennial  in  1876.  Later  its  body  was  preserved  in  the  State 
capitol  at  Madison. 

354.  GRAY  GYRFALCON  (Falco  rusticolus  rusticolus.) 

A  rare  winter  visitor  in  South  Dakota;  breeds  in  the 
Arctic  regions.  Twenty  to  twenty-four  inches  in  length,  female 
the  larger.  Above,  brownish  gray.  Under  parts  streaked  with 
gray  and  white.  Legs  feathered  to  the  toes.  The  pair  in  the 
University  Museum  were  taken  in  Miner  County. 

355.  PRAIRIE  FALCON  (Falco  mexicanus.) 

A  rather  common  bird  in  our  State  west  of  the  Missouri 
River,  nesting  frequently  on  shelving  cliffs  in  the  badlands. 

It  is  about  eighteen  to  twenty  inches  in  length,  the  female 
being  the  larger.  The  sexes  are  similar  in  plumage,  being 
brownish  gray  on  the  back  and  lighter  on  head  and  neck.  The 
under  parts  are  white  with  dark  brown  streaks  on  throat  and 
breast.  The  young  are  marked  with  rufous  above  and  brown 
buff  below.  Unlike  true  Hawks,  the  Falcons  have  a  toothed 
beak. 

356a.     DUCK  HAWK  (Falco  peregrimis   anatum.) 

This  Hawk  is  frequently  seen  in  the  State,  though  it  is 
not  common.  It  is  about  the  size  of  No.  355  but  has  longer  toes. 
Its  peculiar  characteristic  is  black  spots  on  the  sides  of  the 
throat.  Back,  wings  and  tail  are  bluish  slate  with  irregular  dark 
gray  bars.  Below,  buff  with  black  markings  running  to  bars 
on  the  flanks  and  extreme  lower  parts. 

On  account  of  its  great  strength  much  of  its  food  consists 
of  game  birds  and  if  abundant  it  would  be  considered  destructive. 


88  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

357.     PIGEON  HAWK  (Falco  columbarius  columbarius.) 

Probably  seen  only  in  migration  in  South  Dakota.  From 
eleven  to  twelve  inches  in  length.  Male  above  bluish  slate; 
throat  usually  nearly  white;  belly  light  but  streaked  with 
brown;  tail  with  four  dark  bands,  the  wide  end  one  tipped  with 
white.  Female  and  young,  dark  brown  above;  below  buffy  and 
more  heavily  streaked  with  brown ;  tail  with  four  or  five  bands. 

357b.     RICHARDSON'S  PIGEON  HAWK  (Falco  columbarius  richardsoni.) 

This  Hawk  is  not  common  in  the  State  but  probably 
nests  occasionally.  In  size  and  plumage  it  clearly  resembles  No. 
257  but  is  more  of  a  grayish  drab  in  color,  and  usually  has  six 
bands  on  the  tail. 

360.     SPARROW  HAWK  (Falco  sparver'ms  sparverius.) 

Abundant  over  the  entire  State,  nesting  in  old  Woodpecker 
holes,  hollow  trees,  and  crevices  in  the  badlands.  The  smallest 
of  our  Hawks,  measuring  not  over  ten  or  eleven  inches  in  length. 
The  crown  of  both  sexes  is  bluish  slate,  usually  with  a  chestnut 
patch.  Male :  back  and  tail  chestnut  with  a  few  black  bars  on 
back  and  one  wide  black  bar  on  tail;  wing  coverts  bluish  slate; 
under  parts  creamy  white  with  black  spots.  Female:  chestnut 
brown  above,  with  many  blackish  bars  on  back  and  tail;  below 
whitish,  streaked  with  brown.  Its  food  is  chiefly  mice,  grass- 
hoppers, beetles,  and  occasionally  small  birds. 

364.  OSPREY;  FISH  HAWK  (Pandion  haliaetus  carolinensis.) 

Rather  rare  in  South  Dakota.  Crown  white  streaked  with 
black;  throat  and  breast  white  or  streaked  with  brown;  black 
line  on  sides  of  neck  reaching  to  eyes.  Under  parts  white ;  back 
black  or  blotched  with  white  and  brown;  legs  longer  than  in 
Hawks;  toes  open  to  the  base;  claws  of  equal  length.  The 
plumage  is  close  and  oily,  which  fits  it  for  diving  after  fish,  its 
principal  food. 

365.  BARN  OWL  (Aluco  pratincola.) 

This  Owl  has  been  rarely  taken  except  in  the  southern 
part  of  South  Dakota.  Length  about  eighteen  inches;  above, 
buff  mixed  with  gray;  below,  white  and  tawny  usually  with 
small  black 'spots;  no  ear  tufts;  eyes  black;  face  disk  almost  a 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  89 

complete  circle  and  darkly  bordered.     Its   chief  food  is   mice, 
which  makes  it  highly  valuable  from  an  economic  standpoint. 

In  the  summer  of  1919  a  number  of  these  Owls  were  seen 
during  day  time  hiding  in  cavities  of  the  red  brown  limestone 
bluffs  along  the  Missouri  River  near  Springfield.  The  reddish 
gray  plumage  of  the  Owl  was  so  nearly  the  color  of  the  "red 
chalk  rock"  that  the  protective  coloration  was  almost  perfect. 

366.  LONG-EARED  OWL  (Asio  wilsonianus.) 

Common  over  the  entire  State,  nesting  in  trees  along 
wooded  rivers  and  creeks.  About  fourteen  inches  in  length; 
below,  buff,  usually  streaked  and  crossbarred  with  brownish 
black;  long  ear  tufts  and  yellow  eyes.  These  birds  are  invalu- 
able to  the  farmer,  as  their  food  consists  almost  entirely  of  in- 
jurious rodents. 

367.  SHORT-EARED  OWL  (Asio  flammeus.) 

Length  fifteen  to  sixteen  inches;  ear  tufts  short;  above, 
black  and  brown,  each  feather  having  a  blackish  center  margined 
with  brown;  below,  lighter  and  streaked  with  brown;  never 
barred.  The  plumage  of  the  female  is  usually  slightly  darker 
than  that  of  the  male. 

This  is  almost  exclusively  a  prairie  Owl.  It  hunts  for 
mice  and  other  small  rodents  over  our  prairies  and  marshes,  and 
nests  on  the  ground  in  a  clump  of  weeds  or  tall  grass.  It  is 
found  over  the  entire  State,  and  should  never  be  killed,  but  pro- 
tected and  encouraged  to  increase  in  numbers. 

368.  BARRED  OWL  (Strix  varia  varia.) 

A  summer  resident  but  rare  in  South  Dakota,  its  range 
being  in  the  eastern  United  States. 

Length  twenty  inches;  general  appearance  tawny,  with 
back,  head  and  breast  barred  with  white ;  belly  lighter  but  with 
blackish  streaks ;  no  ear  tufts ;  eyes  black ;  toes  feathered  nearly 
to  the  nails. 

370.     GREAT  GRAY  OWL  (Scotiaptex  nebulosa  nebulosa.) 

This  Owl  breeds  in  the  far  north.  As  far  as  we  know 
there  is  no  record  of  its  having  been  taken  in  the  State,  except 
that  Dr.  Elliott  Coues  reports  it  as  "straying  south  iri  winter 


$0  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

to  Dakota,  etc."     Mr.  Rudolph  M.  Anderson  in  "The  Birds  of 
Jowa"  reports  it  as  "a  casual  straggler  in  winter." 

It  is  the  largest  of  North  American  Owls,  measuring  two 
feet  or  more  in  length.  Upper  parts  dark  brown  mixed  with  gray- 
ish white.'  Under  parts  the  same  in  color,  with  irregular  bars  but 
paler.  Prominent  facial  disk  with  small  eyes.  No  ear  tufts; 
legs  and  feet  feathered.  It  inhabits  wooded  regions. 

371.  RICHARDSON'S  OWL  (Cryptoglaux  funerea  richardsoni.) 

A  rare  winter  resident  in  our  State.  Length  ten  inches; 
no  ear  tufts;  above,  brown  with  white  spots;  below,  white 
streaked  with  brown ;  feet  feathered  to  the  toes.  Nests  north  of 
the  United  States  in  hollow  trees. 

372.  SAW-WHET  OWL    (Cryptoglaux  acadica  acadica.) 

The  smallest  of  our  Owls,  averaging  only  about  eight 
inches  in  length.  Back,  wings  and  tail  uniform  dull  brown 
spotted  with  white;  crown  streaked  with  white;  under  parts 
white  and  brown;  facial  disk  nearly  white;  toes  feathered. 

This  Owl  inhabits  wooded  districts  and  nests  in  hollow 
trees  or  old  Woodpecker  holes.  Owing  to  its  habit  of  retiring 
into  dark  woods  it  probably  is  not  often  observed.  In  some  in- 
stances it  may  be  taken  for  the  Screech  Owl. 

373.  SCREECH  OWL  (Otus  asio  asio.) 

Screech  Owls  are  common  over  the  state  and  are  perman- 
ent residents,  spending  their  lives  in  the  vicinity  where  they  are 
raised.  They  are  larger  than  the  Saw-whet  Owl,  measuring 
nine  to  ten  inches  in  length.  Unlike  other  species  of  Owls  in 
our  State,  the  Screech  Owl  has  two  color  phases,  gray  and  red. 
We  quote  Mr.  Frank  M.  Chapman's  description:  "With  ear 
tufts;  eyes  yellow.  Adults,  gray  phase:  above,  buffy  gray  ir- 
regularly marked  with  black;  below,  gray,  white,  rusty  and 
black.  Adults,  red  phase :  above,  bright  rusty  brown  with  a  few 
black  streaks ;  below,  white  streaked  with  black  and  barred  with 
rusty  brown.  Young :  above,  gray  or  rusty  barred  with  black 
and  white;  below,  white  thickly  barred  with  blackish."  The 
two-color  phases  may  develop  in  individuals  of  the  same  nest. 
Some  writers  contend  that  the  same  individuals  may  pass  from 
one  phase  to  the  other  independently  of  sex,  season  or  locality. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  91 

According  to  the  writers'  observation  the  "gray  phase"  predom- 
inates in  South  Dakota,  while  records  from  eastern  Iowa  seem 
to  show  the  reverse. 

The  Screech  Owl  may  be  found  at  home  along  wooded 
creeks  in  the  most  sparsely  settled  districts,  or  in  resident  por- 
tions of  our  larger  towns  and  cities.  In  the  latter  case  they  no 
doubt  help  to  keep  down  the  increasing  numbers  of  "pesky" 
English  sparrows.  Their  food  consists  chiefly  of  mice.  They 
should  be  encouraged  to  nest  around  buildings.  Their  weird, 
wailing  notes,  heard  at  dusk  or  in  early  morning,  have  caused 
some  who  are  not  acquainted  with  the  call  notes  of  these  little 
fellows  to  suspect  that  a  strange  wild  cat  was  prowling  in  the 
vicinity. 

373e.     ROCKY  MOUNTAIN  SCREECH  OWL  (Otus  asio  maxwelliae.) 

Specimen  taken  in  Fall  River  County,  August  8,  1911,  by 
Stephen  S.  Visher  and  determined  by  H.  C.  Oberholser  of 
United  States  Biological  Survey  as  this  species. 

Resembles  the  common  gray  Screech  Owl  but  paler;  black 
markings  not  so  prominent. 

375.     GREAT  HORNED  OWL  (Bubo  virginianus  virginianus.) 

Common  over  the  State  and  more  or  less  resident.  One 
of  our  largest  Owls,  measuring  up  to  twenty-two  inches  in  length, 
the  female  always  larger. 

The  Great  Horned  Owl  is  quite  variable  in  color  mark- 
ings. Above  their  base  the  feathers  are  tawny,  sometimes  tawny 
and  gray,  but  more  or  less  irregularly  tipped  with  black  and 
white.  Below,  usually  lighter,  mixed  with  tawny,  and  occa- 
sionally there  are  black  spots  on  the  breast  and  a  white  throat. 
Tail  barred  with  black;  long  ear  tufts. 

They  nest  in  hollow  trees  or  nests  used  by  Crows  the 
previous  season.  The  eggs  are  laid  as  early  as  February  or 
March.  On  April  1,  1919,  two  weeks  old  young  were  taken  from 
an  old  Crow's  nest  near  the  Vermillion  River  in  Clay  County. 

Great  Horned  Owls  catch  and  eat  a  variety  of  animals 
ranging  in  size  from  small  birds  and  mice  to  cottontail  rabbits 
or  full  grown  poultry.  In  some  instances  they  have  been  known 
to  kill  more  poultry  than  was  necessary  to  satisfy  their  hunger. 
This  is  probably  true  only  of  certain  individuals,  and  a  good  way 


92  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

to  dispose  of  these  is  to  keep  a  steel  trap  set  on  a  small  plat- 
form erected  at  the  top  of  a  pole  located  near  the  poultry  house. 
It  is  evident  that  where  these  Owls  become  too  numerous  in  a 
neighborhood  they  must  be  classed  as  destructive. 

375a.     WESTERN  HORNED  OWL  (Bubo  virginianus  pallescens.) 

This  is  a  variety  of  the  Great  Horned  Owl  said  to  be 
found  in  South  Dakota.  It  is  described  as  smaller  and  paler  than 
No.  375.  One  of  the  authors  in  examining  many  specimens  from 
over  the  State,  has  been  unable  to  detect  any  form  which  was 
more  than  a  variation  in  plumage  of  the  Great  Horned  Owl. 

375b.     ARCTIC  HORNED  OWL  (Bubo  virginianus  subarcticus.) 

Another  variety  of  the  Great  Horned  Owl,  very  similar  in 
size  but  lighter  in  plumage,  varying  from  gray  to  nearly  white, 
mixed  with  tawny  and  black.  At  a  distance  it  resembles  the 
Snowy  Owl  but  is  easily  distinguished  by  its  long  ear  tufts.  As 
the  name  implies,  its  habitat  is  in  the  Arctic  regions,  where  it 
breeds.  Only  occasionally  during  the  winter  an  individual  strag- 
gles as  far  south  as  our  State. 

A  specimen  was  taken  by  Mr.  F.  A.  Patton,  of  Artesian, 
in  Sanborn  County,  in  January,  1895. 

376.     SNOWY  OWL  (Nyctea  nyctea.) 

About  the  same  size  as  the  Great  Horned  Owl.  It  breeds 
in  the  Arctic  regions  and  migrates  irregularly  to  South  Dakota 
during  the  winter.  In  plumage  it  varies  from  pure  white  to  mixed 
white  and  brownish  black.  A  pure  white  specimen  is  rare,  the 
common  markings  being  white  barred  with  brownish  black,  the 
female  usually  darker.  They  are  without  ear  tufts  and  the  feet 
are  almost  completely  feathered.  Since  their  food  consists 
chiefly  of  mice  and  other  small  rodents,  they  are  of  great  econ- 
omic value  to  our  agricultural  interests.  • 

The  Snowy  Owl  seems  to  be  more  abundant  some  winters 
than  others,  and  it  is  believed  that  an  early  winter  with  con- 
tinuous cold  is  favorable  to  their  southern  migration.  During 
the  severe  winter  of  1917-18  at  least  a  dozen  were  taken  in  the 
State,  while  during  the  mild  winter  of  1918-19  only  a  single 
specimen  was  reported.  Such  a  beautiful  bird  should  never  be 
killed. 


BURROWING   OWL, 
BY  HER  NEST 


KINGBIRD  WATCHING 
FOR  FLIES 


YOUNG  WOOD   THRUSHES 


YOUNG  BRONZED  CRACKLE 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  93 

378.     BURROWING  OWL  (Speotyto  cunicularia  hypogaea.) 

This  little  Owl  is  a  common  summer  'resident  over  the 
State,  but  most  abundant  west  of  the  Missouri  River.  Length 
from  nine  to  ten  inches ;  above  dull  grayish  brown  spotted  with 
white;  white  throat  patch  crossed  by  dusky  band;  belly  light 
but  barred  with  brown;  legs  much  longer  than  with  other  South 
Dakota  Owls  and  feathered  in  front  but  bare  behind.  This  bird 
also  differs  from  other  Owls  in  its  habits  of  nesting.  Instead  of 
building  in  trees  or  on  the  ground,  it  appropriates  the  abandoned 
hole  of  some  burrowing  animal.  East  of  the  Missouri  River  it 
occupies  the  holes  of  skunks,  badgers  or  foxes ;  west  of  the  river 
it  usually  takes  possession  of  deserted  prairie  dog  holes.  It  does 
not,  however,  live  in  common  with  prairie  dogs  and  rattlesnakes, 
as  many  suppose.  In  every  prairie  dog  town  there  are  many  un- 
occupied holes.  These  offer  convenient  nesting  places  for  the 
little  Owls.  The  food  of  the  Burrowing  Owl  consists  mostly 
of  small  rodents,  grasshoppers  and  bettles. 

FAMILY  CUCULIDJE.    CUCKOOS 

The  Cuckoos  or  "Rain  Crows"  are  beautiful  velvety  olive 
brown  birds  with  rather  short  wings  and  long  tails.  They  are 
about  the  size  of  the  Brown  Thrasher  and  much  the  same  in  form. 
Their  "cow,  cow"  notes  are  heard  oftener  than  the  birds  are 
seen,  as  they  love  dense  shade  and  keep  well  within  the  foliage 
of  trees  and  bushes.  They  devour  vast  numbers  of  hairy  cater- 
pillars, of  which  they  are  especially  fond,  a  single  stomach  some- 
times containing  as  many  as  250. 

387.  YELLOW-BILLED  CUCKOO  (Coccyzus  americanus  arnericanus.) 

The  lower  bill  is  more  yellow  than  in  the  following  species, 
and  the  white  patches  on  the  tail  feathers  much  larger.  It  pre- 
fers nesting  in  trees  rather  than  in  bushes.  A  summer  resident. 

388.  BLACK-BILLED  CUCKOO  (Coccyzus  erythrophthalmus.) 

This  species  is  more  plentiful  in  the  State  than  the  pre- 
ceding. It  prefers  nesting  in  bushes  rather  than  in  trees.  There 
are  only  slight  traces  of  yellow  at  the  base  of  the  black  bill, 
and  the  tail  lacks  the  strong  contrasts  of  white  and  black.  A 
summer  resident. 


94  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH   DAKOTA 

FAMILY  ALCEDINID^:.    KINGFISHERS 

Kingfishers,  as  the  name  implies,  are  fishers  and  are  usu- 
ally seen  flying  or  perched  above  the  water.  Their  sole  diet 
seems  to  consist  of  fish. 

390.     BELTED  KINGFISHER  (Ceryle  alcyon.) 

It  is  about  twelve  inches  in  length,  including  a  long,  stout 
bill.  The  bushy  crest  and  back  are  bluish  gray;  belly  white  or 
marked  with  rusty. 

The  chief  characteristics  are  the  white  throat  and  neck 
bands.  The  male  has  a  bluish  gray  breast  band,  which  in  the 
female  is  rusty. 

The  Kingfisher,  though  not  very  abundant,  is  found  in 
every  State  in  the  Union.  Every  stream,  millpond  and  wooded 
lake  shore  is  wakened  by  its  rattling  notes  as  it  plunges  in  head- 
long flight  from  one  dead  limb  perch  to  another.  It  lives  entirely 
on  small  fish,  which  it  takes  by  plunging  into  the  water.  Its 
nest  is  the  enlarged  end  of  a  hole,  sometimes  eight  or  ten  feet 
long,  which  it  tunnels  into  some  high  bank.  A  summer  resident. 

FAMILY  PICID.E.    WOODPECKERS 

South  Dakota  has  a  number  of  the  choicest  of  this  family. 
Theirs  is  the  difficult  task  of  chiseling  through  the  bark  to  ex- 
tract wood  borers  that  would  destroy  our  trees.  They  also  feed 
upon  the  insect  eggs,  larvae  and  cocoons  found  in  bark  crevices. 
They  excavate  nest  holes  in  dead  trees,  and  in  the  autumn  some 
of  them  excavate  winter  homes.  When  these  excavations  have 
been  used  by  them  they  become  the  natural  nesting  places  of 
Wrens,  Bluebirds  and  Chickadees.  At  one  time  the  idea  was 
prevalent  that  Woodpeckers  usually  constructed  their  nest  holes 
so  that  the  entrance  was  toward  the  northeast  or  east,  but  a  care- 
ful survey  made  by  one  of  the  writers  along  the  Missouri  River 
in  1919  of  over  70  holes  would  tend  to  disprove  the  statement, 
as  20  opened  to  the  west,  17  to  the  north,  10  to  the  south,  while 
6  opened  to  the  northeast,  and  2  to  the  east. 

The  toes  of  Woodpeckers  are  arranged  differently  from 
those  of  most  other  birds,  two  being  in  front  and  two  behind, 
which  with  their  long  nails  enable  them  to  cling  to  bark  while 
climbing.  They  are  also  supported  in  climbing  by  their  stiff 
tail  feathers. 


BLUE  JAY 
WATCHING  FOR  INSECTS 


CATBIRD 


fc    <   1 

; 


HOLES  MADE  BY  WOODPECKERS 
DRILLING  FOR  BORERS 


DOWNY    WOODPECKER 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  95 

393.     HAIRY  WOODPECKER  (Dry abates  villosus  villosus.) 

This  fine  annual  resident  has  the  same  color  markings  as 
the  familiar  Downy  (black  and  white),  lacking-  only  "Downy's" 
black  spots  in  the  white  of  the  side  tail  feathers.  It  is  much 
larger  than  "Downy,"  and  wilder,  and  has  a  more  rattling  call. 
It  keeps  more  to  the  woods  and  to  the  high  tree  tops.. 

394b.     BATCHELDER'S  WOODPECKER  (Dryobates  pubescent  homorus.) 

A  summer  resident  in  the  western  counties  of  South  Da- 
kota. Similar  to  the  Downy  Woodpecker,  but  having  fewer  spots 
on  the  wing,  and  with  under  parts  lighter. 

394c.     DOWNY  WOODPECKER  (Dryobates  pubescens  medianus.) 

Our  smallest  and  most  common  Woodpecker.  Colors 
black  and  white,  like  those  of  Hairy,  with  the  exception  above 
noted.  The  males  of  both  "Hairy"  and  "Downy"  have  a  red  patch 
across  the  back  of  the  head.  An  annual  resident. 

400.     ARCTIC  THREE-TOED  WOODPECKER  (Picoides  arcticus.) 

Found  in  the  Black  Hills  and  the  forest  reserves  of  Hard- 
ing County.  Probably  an  annual  resident,  but  not  common. 
About  the  size  of  the  Red-headed  Woodpecker.  Two  toes  in 
front  and  one  behind.  Back  black;  under  parts  whitish.  Crown 
yellow  in  male  and  black  in  female. 

402.     YELLOW-BELLIED  SAPSUCKER  (Sphyrapicus  varius  varius.) 

This  fine  bird  belongs  farther  east,  but  is  occasionally  seen 
as  an  irregular  migrant  in  South  Dakota,  though  rarely  found 
as  a  summer  resident.  The  general  colors  are  black  and  white 
with  a  yellowish  wash  on  the  belly.  Crown  and  throat  red. 

406.     RED-HEADED  WOODPECKER   (Melanerpes  erythrocephalus.) 

There  is  no  mistaking  this  tricolored  summer  resident. 
Its  red,  white  and  blue  black  are  spread  on  in  large  patches,  and 
it  has  no  other  colors.  It  is  often  seen  by  the  roadside  on  fence 
posts  and  telegraph  poles,  which  it  uses  at  watchtowers  from 
which  to  detect  insects  in  the  grass.  It  will  even  take  a  passing 
one  on  the  wing.  It  is  regarded  as  a  lazy  bird,  and  prefers  to 
gather  its  food  as  above  stated  rather  than  to  search  and  chisel 
for  insects  like  its  more  industrious  cousins. 


96  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

408.  LEWIS'S  WOODPECKER  (Asyndesmus  leivisi.) 

A  summer  resident  of  the  Black  Hills.  Crown  and  back 
dark  green.  Neck  and  breast  gray;  belly  ruby;  cheeks  dark 
red.  Slightly  larger  than  the  Red-headed  Woodpecker. 

409.  RED-BELLIED  WOODPECKER  (Centurus  carolinus.) 

The  range  of  this  Woodpecker  is  the  "eastern  United 
States"  but  it  has  been  authoritatively  recorded  from  eastern 
South  Dakota. 

It  is  slightly  smaller  than  the  Red-headed  Woodpecker. 
Crown  and  nape  red;  back  and  wings  barred  with  black  and 
white.  Throat  and  breast  gray ;  lower  parts  of  belly  red.  Crown 
of  female  gray ;  otherwise  similar  to  the  male. 

41 2a.     NORTHERN  FLICKER  (Colaptes  auratus  luteus.) 

This  is  our  largest,  most  widely  distributed,  and  most 
beautiful  Woodpecker.  It  is  even  found  nesting  west  of  the  Mis- 
souri River  in  fence-posts,  far  from  trees.  Its  colors  are  many- 
bluish  gray,  pinkish  brown,  scarlet,  yellow,  black,  white,  golden, 
tawny,  ash,  lilac  brown,  olive  brown.  Yet  though  so  many, 
with  some  of  them  very  distinct,  these  colors  are  exquisitely 
blended.  The  Flickers  are  often  seen  upon  the  ground,  for  their 
favorite  food  is  ants.  They  often  return  to  the  same  nest,  exca- 
vating a  little  deeper  each  year. 

Flickers  frequently  pass  the  winter  in  the  southeastern 
part  of  the  State,  especially  when  the  wild  grape  crop  is  plenti- 
ful. 

413.     RED-SHAFTED  FLICKER  (Colaptes  cafer  collaris.) 

A  summer  resident  of  the  western  part  of  the  State.  Back 
gray,  barred  with  black;  crown  grayish  brown.  No  red  nape 
band;  sides  of  throat  red  instead  of  black,  as  in  the  Nortkern 
Flicker.  Throat  gray;  under  wings  and  tail  light  salmon.  Fe- 
males do  not  have  the  red  throat  patch. 

Specimens  have  been  taken  along  White  River  that  are 
thought  to  be  hybrids.  They  much  resemble  this  species  but 
lack  the  salmon  shades  under  the  wings  and  tail. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  97 

FAMILY  CAPRIMULGID^E.     GOATSUCKERS 

Five  species  of  Goatsuckers — two  Whippoorwills  and 
three  Nighthawks — are  summer  residents  of  South  Dakota. 

The  Goatsuckers  are  birds  of  the  morning  and  evening, 
between  day  birds  and  night  flying  Owls.  By  day  they  are 
perched  on  fence  posts,  limbs  of  trees  or  on  the  ground,  and  they 
are  so  nearly  like  their  surroundings  that,  but  for  their  form, 
the  eye  could  scarcely  detect  them.  At  evening  these  birds 
mount  on  wing  and  may  be  seen  circling  and  wheeling  high  in  the 
air,  where  they  gather  flying  insects  and  moths  into  their  large, 
bristle  rimmed  mouths.  Their  two  white  eggs  are  always  laid 
upon  the  ground  or  upon  leaves. 

417.  WHIPPOORWILL  (Antrostomus  vociferus  vodferus.) 

This  bird  resembles  the  Nighthawks  but  is  slightly 
smaller,  and  gray  predominates  on  the  upper  parts  rather  than 
the  mixed  colors. 

A  bird  of  the  woods,  where  moths  in  abundance  fly  at 
night.  In  the  day  it  perches  lengthwise  upon  a  limb  or  beside 
a  stump,  and  its  protective  coloration  is  almost  perfect. 

Its  call,  a  repeated  "whip-poor-will,"  has  been  heard  from 
the  woods  along  the  Missouri  River  and  as  far  north  as  Brook- 
ings. 

418.  POORWILL  (Phalaenoptilus  nuttalli  nuttalli.) 

A  summer  resident  west  of  the  Missouri  River.  Smaller 
than  the  Whippoorwill  and  with  more  rufous  plumage,  the  gen- 
eral appearance  being  lighter.  It  always  rests  on  the  ground 
during  the  day. 

420.     NIGHTHAWK  (Chordeiles  virginianus  virginianus.) 

The  range  of  this  Nighthawk  is  east  of  South  Dakota,  but 
it  is  frequently  seen  in  the  eastern  half  of  the  State. 

About  ten  inches  in  length,  and  the  darkest  of  all  the  Goat- 
sucker family.  Above,  black  with  white  and  buff  mixed;  under 
parts  black,  barred  with  white.  Throat  white  in  the  male  and 
rusty  in  the  female. 

Just  as  the  Whippoorwill  is  a  bird  of  the  woods,  the 
Nighthawk  is  a  bird  of  the  prairies. 


08  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

420a.     WESTERN  NIGHTHAWK  (Chordeiles  virginianus  henryi.) 

A  subspecies,  very  common  west  of  the  Missouri  River 
and  not  rare  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State.  Similar  to  the  pre- 
ceding but  lighter,  more  buffy  both  above  and  below. 

420c.     SENNETT'S  NIGHTHAWK  (Chordeiles  virginianus  sennetti.) 

Another  subspecies  of  the  Nighthawk  family,  but  smaller 
than  the  preceding,  and  the  palest  of  them  all  in  color.  It  is 
also  a  bird  of  the  plains,  but  it  seems  to  follow  the  foothills  of 
the  mountainous  districts  more  closely  than  the  other  species. 

A  summer  resident.    Habits  the  same  as  the  others. 

FAMILY  MICROPODID;E.  SWIFTS 

Two  species  of  Swifts  live  in  our  State  during  the  summer. 
They  are  well  named,  as  few  birds  can  surpass  them  in  speed, 
and  they  spend  most  of  the  day  on  the  wing  hunting  for  insects. 

One  noticeable  characteristic  of  the  Goatsuckers  and 
Swifts  is  their  very  small  feet.  They  are  all  valuable  birds  as 
insect  destroyers. 

423.     CHIMNEY  SWIFT  (Chaetura  pelagica.) 

Before  chimneys  came  to  this  country  these  insect  eaters 
slept  and  rested  in  hollow  trees ;  now  they  may  be  seen  at  dusk 
by  hundreds  circling  over  buildings  and,  one  by  one  or  by  twos 
or  threes,  dropping  into  high  chimneys,  where  they  perch  for  the 
night,  clinging  to  the  sides.  Their  feet  are  so  small  that  they 
can  perch  only  by  clinging,  supported  by  their  stiff,  spiny  tail 
feathers.  It  has  been  said  that  they  can  fly  all  day  without  rest- 
ing, living  literally  on  the  wing.  They  even  break  off  the  small 
twigs  of  which  their  nests  are  built  as  they  fly  past  dead  tree 
tops.  These  twigs  are  glued  together  and  to  the  inside  of  the 
chimney  with  a  saliva  which  they  secrete. 

The  Chimney  Swifts  are  about  five  inches  long  from  tip 
of  tail  to  end  of  bill,  but  their  wings  are  unusually  long  and  ex- 
tend beyond  the  tail.  Above,  greenish  black  or  dark  gray;  belly 
lighter  but  gray  at  throat.  A  summer  resident.  It  is  not  known 
yet  where  they  pass  the  winter. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  99 

425.     WHITE-THROATED  SWIFT  (Aeronautes  melanoleucus.) 

Common  summer  resident  in  the  badlands  of  South  Da- 
kota. Larger  than  the  Chimney  Swift.  Above  and  sides  green- 
ish black;  throat,  belly  and  flanks  white.  Tail  slightly  forked. 
Nests  in  holes  in  inaccessible  sides  of  cliffs. 

FAMILY  TROCHILID;E.  HUMMINGBIRDS 

Hummingbirds  are  the  smallest  of  all  the  birds  and,  as  far 
as  we  know,  only  one  species  visits  South  Dakota  long  enough 
to  raise  one  brood  of  young;  after  which  it  departs  for  tropical 
regions. 

This  exquisite  species  gathers  its  food  from  the  flowers 
of  our  gardens,  but  must  be  carefully  distinguished  from  equally 
large  moths  which  gather  their  food  in  the  same  way,  poising  on 
wing  before  flowers  in  hummingbird  fashion. 

428.     RUBY-THROATED  HUMMINGBIRD  (Archilochus  colubris.) 

The  smallest  and  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  our  birds. 
About  three  and  one  half  inches  in  length.  The  male  above  is 
a  glossy  golden  green;  belly  grayish  and  throat  ruby.  Tail 
forked.  In  the  female  the  throat  is  gray,  and  the  tail  is  not  so 
prominently  forked. 

Breeds  occasionally  over  the  State.  The  nest  is  fastened 
to  the  top  side  of  a  horizontal  limb  and  consists  of  downy  ma- 
terial supported  on  the  outside  by  lichens,  which  are  apparently 
glued  on  by  saliva  which  the  bird  secretes,  or  by  some  gummy 
substance  gathered  by  the  builder.  Two  white  eggs  are  de- 
posited. 

FAMILY  TYRANNID^E.     FLYCATCHERS 

The  Flycatchers  are  named  for  their  habit  of  catching 
insects  on  the  wing.  This  is  their  regular  way  of  securing  food. 
They  do  not  fly  continuously  however,  like  Swallows  and  Swifts, 
but  dart  out  upon  their  prey  from  some  perch,  usually  a  dead 
limb  or  telephone  wire.  They  are  all  summer  residents  and  do 
not  arrive  in  the  spring  until  numerous  flies  are  on  the  wing. 
They  have  broad  bills  and  bristled  mouths  like  all  fly-catching 
birds.  A  number  of  the  smaller  ones  are  so  similar  in  size  and 


100  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

color  that  it  is  not  easy  to  tell  them  apart,  but  a  knowledge  of 
their  nesting  habits  will  be  helpful.  None  of  them  is  classed 
as  a  singer. 

The  Kingbird  is  the  most  abundant  in  our  State  and  dur- 
ing the  last  two  weeks  of  August  thousands  are  seen  in  loose 
flocks  along  the  Missouri  River.  Their  movement  is  always 
down  the  river  as  though  they  had  begun  their  southward  migra- 
tion but  were  loitering  by  the  way.  As  they  fly  from  grove  to 
grove  some  are  racing  and  chasing  and  picking  at  their  fellows  in 
a  playful  mood;  others  sail  over  the  water,  occasionally  swoop- 
ing down  for  a  drink,  which  they  always  take  on  the  wing; 
others  are  catching  insects,  and  frequently  one  comes  out  of 
curiosity  to  inspect  a  passing  boat.  They  remind  one  of  a  crowd 
of  boys  returning  from  school.  Most  of  these  Kingbirds,  of 
course,  are  young  and  are  migrating  for  the  first  time.  If  the 
weather  remains  mild  doubtless  their  whole  southward  flight 
will  be  made  in  this  way,  as  it  is  customary  for  birds  that  feed 
on  the  wing  to  migrate  rather  slowly  by  day  and  feed  as  they  go. 

444.     KINGBIRD  (Tyrannus  tyrannus.) 

Sometimes  called  Bee  Bird.  Above,  slate  color,  with  a 
white  margin  across  the  end  of  the  tail.  Below,  whitish.  A 
reddish  orange  patch  on  the  crown  somewhat  overlaid  by  longer 
feathers.  The  same  in  size  and  general  habits  as  the  Arkansas 
Kingbird.  These  two  large  Flycatchers  are  often  seen  in  the 
same  neighborhood.  They  frequent  the  vicinity  of  homes  and 
barns  where  there  are  trees,  and  are  exceedingly  useful  in  kill- 
ing disease  carrying  flies,  destroying  robber  flies,  which  are  so 
harmful  to  bees,  and  driving  away  chicken  eating  Hawks. 

447.     ARKANSAS  KINGBIRD  (Tyrannus  verticdis.) 

More  commonly  called  Arkansas  Flycatcher.  This  bird  is 
like  the  well  known  Kingbird  in  size,  shape  and  general  habits, 
but  gray  in  color,  with  the  outer  tail  feathers  margined  with 
white,  and  belly  yellow.  A  reddish  orange  patch  on  the  crown 
as  in  No.  444.  Few  of  these  birds  are  found  in  the  extreme  east- 
ern part  of  our  State,  but  their  numbers  increase  as  one  goes 
west,  their  range  extending  to  the  Pacific  coast. 


ROBIN'S   NEST 


TWO  FEMALE  BALTIMORE  ORIOLES  AT  THE  BATH 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  101 

456.  PHOEBE  (Sayornis  phoebe.) 

One  should  distinguish  carefully  between  "Phoebe"  and 
"Pewee";  and  one  should  not  confuse  the  name  "Phoebe"  with 
the  "phe-bee-ee-ee"  note  of  the  Chickadee. 

The  Phoebe  is  lighter  colored  than  most  Flycatchers  of  its 
size.  It  always  builds  its  nest  under  a  bridge,  when  it  can  find 
one,  plastering  its  half-saucer  to  the  side  of  a  beam  like  a  Barn 
Swallow.  Its  note  is  an  emphatic  "phee-bee,"  usually  accom- 
panied with  a  nervous  flirt  of  the  tail.  A  summer  resident. 

457.  SAY'S  PHOEBE  (Sayornis  sayus.) 

A  summer  resident  west  of  the  Missouri  River.  Nearly 
as  large  as  the  Kingbird,  but  gray  above  with  black  tail.  Throat 
and  breast  gray,  changing  to  a  rusty  brown  on  belly. 

459.     OLIVE-SIDED  FLYCATCHER  (Nuttallornis  borealis.) 

This  rare  Flycatcher  has  been  observed  for  several  sum- 
mers at  Pierre  by  Miss  Sophia  DeLand,  Miss  Abbie  Whitney 
and  Mr.  A.  E.  Beaumont.  So  certain  of  its  identification  are 
they  that  we  are  glad  to  include  it  in  this  Bulletin.  They  report 
that  one  of  its  favorite  perching  places  is  on  the  dome  of  the 
State  Capitol,  where  it  is  often  seen  and  heard.  As  it  is  a  con- 
stant visitor  through  the  summer  it  more  than  likely  nests  in  the 
vicinity. 

It  is  about  seven  inches  in  length.  Above  it  is  gray  with 
a  slight  tinge  of  brown.  The  throat  and  belly  are  light  yellow, 
while  the  breast  is  gray  but  tinged  with  yellow.  The  yellowish, 
long,  brushy-like  feathers  under  the  wings  and  sides  of  rump  are 
prominent.  This  description  is  given  from  a  specimen  taken 
in  Colorado  in  May. 

461.     WOOD  PEWEE  (Myiochanes  virens.) 

The  Pewee  is  darked  colored  than  the  Phoebe,  with  a 
slight  tinge  of  olive  green  above  and  a  touch  of  yellow  on  the 
gray  belly.  Its  call  is  decidedly  plaintive,  a  soft,  rather  hopeless 
"pee-awee."  It  is  famous  for  its  exquisite  nest,  which  it  sad- 
dles neatly  on  a  horizontal  limb  and  covers  so  completely  with 
lichens  that  it  can  scarcely  be  distinguished  from  the  limb  itself. 


102  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

462.     WESTERN  WOOD  PEWEE  (Myiochanes  richardsonl  richardsoni.) 

Found  in  the  Black  Hills.  Similar  to  the  preceding  but 
duller,  and  seldom  shows  the  green  or  yellow  tinge.  Nesting 
habits  the  same. 

464.     WESTERN  FLYCATCHER  (Empidonax  difficilis  diff tails.) 

This  is  also  a  western  form  found  in  the  Black  Hills. 
Among  the  smallest  of  our  Flycatchers.  General  appearance 
gray,  but  yellowish  on  back  and  under  parts. 

466.  TRAILL'S  FLYCATCHER  (Empidonax  trail  It  trailli.) 

This  is  a  western  species  but  nests  frequently  in  the 
State.  About  six  inches  in  length.  Upper  parts  are  gray  tinged 
with  brown ;  below,  white  and  gray. 

466a.     ALDER  FLYCATCHER  (Empidonax  trailli  alnorurn.) 

This  is  an  eastern  form  but  there  are  specimens  in  the 
University  Museum  from  Walworth,  Sanborn  and  Clay  coun- 
ties which  have  been  identified  by  Mr.  H.  C.  Oberholser  of  the 
United  States  Biological  Survey.  It  is  about  six  inches  in  length. 
Above,  grayish ;  wings  and  tail  not  as  dark  as  in  most  Flycatch- 
ers; below,  whitish. 

467.  LEAST  FLYCATCHER  (Empidonax  minimus.) 

Sometimes  called  "Chebec"  from  the  similarity  of  its  vigo- 
rous note  to  this  word.  Smallest  of  the  Flycatchers  and  with 
tail  slightly  forked.  Similar  in  color  to  the  Alder  Flycatcher. 
It  places  its  nest  in  the  fork  of  tree  or  bush. 

FAMILY  ALAUDID;E.  LARKS 

There  are  fourteen  species  and  subspecies  of  Larks  in  the 
United  States.  Two  of  the  latter  are  common  to  South  Dakota, 
the  Prairie  Horned  Lark  to  the  eastern  part  of  the  State,  and  the 
Desert  Horned  Lark  to  the  western  portion. 

The  Horned  Lark,  sometimes  called  "Shorelark,"  is  named 
from  the  two  tufts  of  feathers  on  its  head  which,  when  raised 
slightly,  simulate  horns.  It  is  a  modest  but  well  marked  bird  of 
fine  spirit,  and  the  only  Lark  native  to  this  country  (the  Mead- 
owlark  is  a  Starling,  and  the  Skylark  is  a  straggler  from  the  Old 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  103 

World).  It  is  seen  on  prairie  and  pasture  hills,  about  straw 
stacks  in  winter  picking  up  weed  seeds  and  grain,  in  our  barn- 
yards during  storms  feeding  with  the  cattle,  and  even  on  coun- 
try roads  gathering  spilled  grain  from  the  farmer's  loaded  wagon. 

474b.     PRAIRIE  HORNED  LARK  (Otocoris  alpestris  praticola.) 

Some  call  it  "Snow-bird,"  others  do  not  distinguish  it 
from  a  Sparrow.  It  is,  however,  distinctly  marked,  with  its 
black  crown  horseshoe  terminating  in  horns,  its  black  mustache, 
and  its  black  breast  patch.  Moreover,  the  gray  of  its  general 
plumage  is  washed,  especially  on  the  shoulders,  with  delicate 
lilac  brown.  With  the  exception  of  the  Great  Horned  Owl,  it  is 
the  first  bird  to  nest  in  spring.  A  full  clutch  of  eggs  has  been 
seen  a  number  of  times  in  March  when  snowbanks  were  visible 
on  the  distant  hills. 

474c.     DESERT  HORNED  LARK  (Otocoris  alpestris  leucolaema.) 

Similar  to  the  preceding  but  lighter,  the  lilac  brown  tinge 
not  so  prominent  on  back  and  shoulders.  Throat  usually  yellow. 
Nesting  habits  the  same  as  the  latter.  A  resident  in  the  west- 
ern half  of  our  State. 

FAMILY  CORVID;E.  CROWS,  JAYS  AND  MAGPIES 

This  family  is  well  represented  in  South  Dakota,  and  is 
so  characteristic  in  habits  and  plumage  that  most  of  them  are 
well  known.  By  varying  their  food  according  to  season  they 
usually  find  an  adequate  supply;  and  since  they  migrate  only  a 
short  distance  they  are  considered  annual  residents.  The  Blue 
Jay  is  represented  during  the  winter  by  only  a  few  stragglers  in 
the  southern  part  of  the  State. 

Records  show  that  prior  to  1880  there  were  few  Crows 
in  the  Territory,  but  that  Ravens  were  frequently  seen.  At  pres- 
ent conditions  are  reversed.  Has  the  Crow  followed  settlers  into 
the  State  and  driven  the  straggling  Ravens  farther  west  ? 

The  whole  family  is  in  disfavor  and  has  few  friends.  They 
all  possess  thieving  qualities  and  will  occasionally  despoil  birds' 
and  hen's  nests  of  both  eggs  and  young. 

Though  not  classed  as  singers  they  are  the  most  intelli- 
gent of  our  birds  and  may  be  taught  to  articulate  some  words. 


104  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

475.     MAGPIE  (Pica  pica  hudsonia.) 

The  Magpie  is  more  or  less  common  along  the  Missouri 
River  and  westward  in  our  State,  where  it  is  an  annual  resident. 
It  strays  eastward  sometimes  during  the  winter.  Specimens 
have  been  taken  at  Vermillion  in  December  and  January. 

The  bird  is  about  twenty  inches  in  length,  including  a 
very  long  tail.  Head  and  back  black;  tail  and  large  wing  feath- 
ers glossy  black;  upper  wing  feathers  and  belly  white. 

There  is  no  mistaking  this  beautiful,  interesting  and  rogu- 
ish bird.  Its  harsh  notes  inform  you  of  its  presence  and  warn 
you  that  you  are  intruding  upon  its  premises.  The  nest  is  a 
bulky  affair,  sometimes  two  or  three  feet  in  diameter,  built  of 
coarse  sticks  and  placed  in  low,  bushy  trees.  The  nest  proper  is 
placed  in  the  center  of  the  mass  of  sticks,  and  it  is  almost  im- 
possible for  a  larger  animal  to  get  near  the  seven  to  nine  eggs. 

477.     BLUE  JAY  (Cyanocitta  cristata  cristata.) 

About  eleven  inches  in  length.  Above,  including  its  crest, 
light  blue,  slightly  marked  with  white  and  black;  below,  gray. 
Easily  identified  by  its  harsh  call,  "jay,  jay." 

The  beautiful  color  of  the  Blue  Jay  belies  his  character. 
While  ideal  about  their  own  nests,  these  birds  frequently  rifle 
other  birds*  nests  and  kill  their  young.  They  have  thieving  pro- 
pensities and  often  secrete  food  like  Woodpeckers. 

484.     CANADA  JAY;  CAMP  ROBBER  (Perisoreus  canadensis  canadensis.) 

An  annual  resident  of  the  Black  Hills.  Same  in  size  as 
the  Blue  Jay.  Above,  gray  except  back  part  of  head,  which  is 
much  darker ;  below,  whitish.  Considered  a  pest  around  logging 
camps. 

486.     RAVEN  (Corvus  corax  sinuatus.) 

While  frequently  seen  along  the  Missouri  River  and  west- 
ward in  early  days,  it  is  found  at  present  only  as  a  straggler  in 
the  Black  Hills. 

It  is  similar  to  the  common  Crow  in  plumage,  but  larger, 
and  easily  identified  by  its  size,  particularly  by  its  large  bill. 

Habits  much  the  same  as  the  Crow  except  that  in  nesting 
it  is  more  likely  to  choose  a  rock  shelf  or  cliff  than  a  tree. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  105 

488.     CROW  (Corvus  brachyrhynchos  brachyrhynchos.) 

Perhaps  the  best  known  bird  in  South  Dakota.  An  annual 
resident,  gathering  in  large  flocks  during  the  fall  and  winter  and 
migrating  south  or  east  a  little  way  to  find  more  suitable  feed- 
ing grounds.  In  the  spring  they  scatter  in  pairs  over  the  State 
to  nest. 

The  economic  value  of  the  Crow  is  perhaps  a  matter  of 
conditions  and  numbers.  The  writers  have  watched  hundreds, 
day  after  day,  making  a  meal  from  grasshoppers  in  the  alfalfa 
fields  along  the  Missouri  River.  This  was  during  the  summers 
of  1916  to  1919  inclusive,  when  the  grasshoppers  were  a  pest  in 
that  locality.  To  the  settlers  along  the  river  the  crows  were  a 
valuable  asset,  while  perhaps  in  other  parts  of  the  State  they 
were  committing  acts  of  depredation  that  would  place  them  in 
disrepute. 

491.  CLARKE'S  NUTCRACKER  (Nucifraga  columbiana.) 

Frequently  seen  in  the  pine  forests  of  the  Black  Hills. 

Slightly  larger  than  the  Canada  Jay,  but  similar  in  color. 
Whole  body  ashy  gray.  Wings  and  middle  tail  feathers  black; 
outer  tail  feathers  white.  Habits  much  like  those  of  the  Pinon 
Jay. 

492.  PINON  JAY  (Cyanocephalus  cyanocephalus.) 

Locally  abundant  in  the  Black  Hills  and  forest  reserves 
of  Harding  County.  Has  been  seen  in  Douglas  and  Washabaugh 
counties,  and  may  be  found  anywhere  west  of  the  Missouri 
River  where  a  few  pine  trees  are  growing,  as  it  feeds  principally 
on  seeds  from  the  cones  of  this  tree. 

It  is  about  the  size  of  the  Blue  Jay.  Its  entire  plumage 
is  uniform  grayish  blue.  Except  during  the  breeding  season  it 
is  usually  seen  in  small  flocks. 

FAMILY  ICTERID^:.    BLACKBIRDS,  ORIOLES, 
MEADOWLARKS 

This  is  a  family  of  weavers,  and  includes  Orioles,  Black- 
birds, Meadowlarks,  etc.  These  vary  greatly  in  nest  weaving 
ability,  power  of  song,  and  beauty  of  color,  but  constitute  one 
of  our  most  charming  and  useful  bird  families. 


106  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

494.  BOBOLINK  (Dolichonyx  oryzivorus.) 

Found  locally  over  the  State  as  a  summer  resident. 

The  male  is  black  with  a  buffy  patch  on  nape  (hind  neck), 
and  a  broad  white  streak  on  lower  back  which  divides  on  the 
upper  back  and  reaches  to  the  shoulders.  The  female  above, 
is  buff  streaked  with  black;  below,  whitish. 

A  bird  of  the  low  prairie  which  utters  its  ecstatic,  bubbling 
song  on  the  wing,  and  in  a  straight-away  flight. 

495.  COWBIRD  (Molothrus  ater  ater.) 

Abundant  over  the  State  as  a  summer  resident.  Nearly 
eight  inches  in  length.  The  male  is  black  with  head  and  neck 
light  brown.  Female  brownish  gray. 

To  some  people  a  Blackbird  is  simply  a  Blackbird,  but 
there  are  many  kinds  of  Blackbirds,  and  the  Cowbird  is  the 
worst.  It  builds  no  nest  of  its  own,  but  lays  its  speckled  egg 
in  the  nests  of  other  birds — Redwings,  Warblers,  Vireos,  Tow- 
hees,  etc.  Its  egg  hatches  more  quickly  than  other  birds'  eggs, 
and  the  young  grow  very  rapidly,  crowding  their  nestmates  un- 
duly and  taking  most  of  the  food :  this  frequently  results  in  the 
death  of  the  rightful  young.  Except  when  watching  for  oppor- 
tunity to  lay  their  eggs  in  other  birds'  nests  they  are  usually 
seen  in  pastures  near  cattle  and  horses.  They  feed  on  the  ground 
insects  disturbed  by  the  stock  and  not  on  flies  that  harass  the 
cows  and  horses. 

497.  YELLOW-HEADED  BLACKBIRD  (Xanthocephalus  xanthocephalus.) 

The  gleaming  yellow  head  and  throat  of  the  male  makes  a 
marked  object  in  field  or  marsh.  The  nesting  habits  are  the 
same  as  Redwing's.  The  females  of  Yellowhead  and  Redwing 
are  not  readily  distinguished  by  the  unpracticed  observer.  A 
summer  resident. 

This  Blackbird  is  not  so  abundant  in  South  Dakota  as 
formerly.  Are  they  decreasing  in  numbers  or  have  they  changed 
their  nesting  grounds? 

498.  RED-WINGED  BLACKBIRD  (Agelaius  phoeniceus  phoeniceus.) 

The  "Redwing"  is  familiar  to  every  boy,  at  least  in  South 
Dakota.  It  is  a  bird  of  the  marsh,  of  the  reed-encircled  slough, 


RED-WINGED   BLACKBIRD'S     NEST 


NEST   OF  YELLOW-HEADED  BLACKBIRD 


m.  • 


WESTERN   MEADOWLARK 
ON    NEST 


WESTERN  MEADOWLARK'S 
NEST 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  107 

and  of  the  willow  bordered  river.  It  nests  commonly  over  the 
State,  and,  being  one  of  the  Starlings,  all  of  which  are  weavers, 
it  fastens  its  nest  securely  among  the  rushes.  Early  in  the  fall 
these  birds  gather  in  large  flocks  before  migrating  southward. 

498d.     THICK-BILLED  REDWING  (Agelaius  Phoeniceus  fortis.) 

Similar  in  plumage  to  the  preceding  but  larger,  with  bill 
shorter  and  thicker.  Breeds  in  Western  Canada.  Seen  in  South 
Dakota  only  in  migration.  This  is  the  Blackbird  observed  feed- 
ing in  large  flocks  early  in  winter.  Small  flocks  have  been  seen 
in  Clay  County  in  January. 

501.   1.     WESTERN  MEADOWLARK  (Sturnella  neglecta.) 

There  are  two  species  of  Meadowlarks  in  the  Northern 
States,  the  Eastern  (Sturnella  magna)  and  the  Western  (Sturnella 
neglecta).  In  our  latitude  the  eastern  State  line  of  South 
Dakota  is  about  the  dividing  line  of  the  range  of  the  two  species. 
For  a  considerable  distance  east  or  west  of  this  line  there  is  much 
overlapping  of  their  range  and  perhaps  interbreeding,  producing 
intermediates.  Some  believe  that  the  range  of  the  western 
form  is  gradually  extending  eastward.  It  is  also  smaller 
+V»an  the  eastern  form.  There  is  a  wide  difference  in  the  song- 
notes  of  the  two  species,  and  some  evidence  to  justify  the  sug- 
gestion that  there  may  be  a  variation,  both  in  song  and  tone, 
between  those  west  of  the  Missouri  River  and  the  intermediates 
of  the  eastern  part  of  the  State. 

Those  west  of  the  Missouri  River  are  all  Sturnella  neolecia, 
and  doubtless  all  those  east  of  central  Iowa  are  Sturnella  magna. 
As  far  as  known  no  true  type  of  the  Eastern  Meadowlark  has 
been  taken  in  South  Dakota. 

The  song  of  this  bird  is  a  wonderfully  exuberant  expres- 
sion of  bird  music.  It  may  he  heard  for  half  a  mile  and  fairly 
fills  the  prairie.  There  is  not  room  enough  for  it  anywhere  else. 
The  singer  is  sure  of  his  audience  and  is  thrilled  and  inspired 
by  his  surroundings.  The  songs  and  calls  are  exceedingly  varied, 
but  the  rapturous  love  song,  rendered  in  full  flight,  is  Nature  in 
her  most  ecstatic  mood,  and  nowhere  is  the  song  finer  than  in 
South  Dakota. 

The  home  of  the  Western  Meadowlark  is  on  the  prairies 
or  in  open  meadows.  As  noted  elsewhere  in  this  bulletin,  the 


108  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

Meadowlark  is  not  a  "Lark,"  but  a  Starling.  It  was  called  a 
"Lark"  by  the  first  settlers  in  New  England  because  it  reminded 
them  of  the  English  Skylark.  The  Starlings  are  all  weavers, 
and  while  the  Meadowlark  builds  its  nest  upon  the  ground  in  the 
hay  meadow,  it  carefully  arches  it  over  with  dried  grass  woven 
into  a  well  shaped  roof,  and  sometimes  there  is  a  runway  two- 
feet  long  through  the  standing  grass  to  the  entrance. 

The  general  coloration  of  the  Western  Meadowlark  is 
paler  than  that  of  the  Eastern,  and  the  black  crescent  on  its 
breast  is  not  so  prominent.  The  yellow  of  the  throat  usually 
extends  up  on  the  lower  cheeks  and  the  bars  on  the  tail  feathers 
are  more  distinct. 

506.  ORCHARD  ORIOLE  (Icterus  spurius.) 

In  color  the  Orchard  Oriole  is  chestnut  where  the  Balti- 
more is  orange.  It  is  slightly  smaller  and  neither  so  beautiful 
nor  such  a  good  weaver  as  the  Baltimore.  It  builds  a  shallower 
nest  and  lashes  it  to  twigs  and  leaves  after  the  fashion  of  Red- 
wing's nest  in  the  rushes.  Indeed  this  Starling  seems  to  stand 
midway  between  Baltimore  and  Redwing  in  color,  song  notes, 
and  weaving  ability.  The  female  is  olive  yellow  above  and  dull 
yellow  below,  with  black  markings.  The  young  of  the  first 
year  are  like  the  female,  but  with  a  black  throat. 

507.  BALTIMORE  ORIOLE  (Icterus  galbula.) 

The  Baltimore  is  the  most  expert  weaver  of  the  Starlings, 
as  well  as  the  most  beautiful  in  coloration  and  the  most  accom- 
plished in  song.  His  long  pendant  nest  is  placed  in  the  high 
tree  top,  where  he  is  more  frequently  heard  than  seen.  But  with 
his  deep  orange  body,  contrasting  with  his  black  head,  wings  and 
middle  tail  feathers,  it  is  more  difficult  for  him  to  hide  than  for 
his  modest  female  with  her  dull  yellow  dress.  The  young  males 
of  this  Oriole  resemble  the  female  the  first  season.  The  second 
season  the  yellow  parts  are  nearly  lemon  color  and  deepen  to 
orange  red  with  age.  A  summer  resident  east  of  the  Missouri 
River. 

508.  BULLOCK'S  ORIOLE  (Icterus  bullocki.) 

Frequently  seen  nesting  along  the  sparsely  wooded  creeks 
west  of  the  Missouri  River,  where  it  seems  to  take  the  place 


ORCHARD   ORIOLE'S   NEST 


BALTIMORE  ORIOLE'S  NEST 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION 

of  the  Baltimore  Oriole  in  our  State.  It  is  paler  than  the  Balti- 
more, the  male  nearly  resembling  the  female  Baltimore,  while 
his  own  female  is  dull  gray  with  very  little  yellow  showing.  It 
prefers  to  nest  in  tall  cottonwood  trees,  and  its  basket  is  not  so 
bulky  as  that  of  its  eastern  cousin.  It  weaves  hair  from  the  tails 
of  horses  and  cattle  into  its  nest  instead  of  strings  or  yarn,  pos- 
sibly because  these  are  more  available  in  ranching  regions. 

509.  RUSTY  BLACKBIRD  (Euphagus  carolinus.) 

Nests  north  of  us,  hence  may  be  looked  for  only  in  migra- 
tion. About  the  size  of  the  Redwing,  but  in  color  the  male  is 
greenish  black  with  rusty  markings.  The  female  is  grayish,  with 
some  rusty  above  and  streaked  with  black  below. 

Both  sexes  may  be  recognized  by  a  whitish  line  over  the 
eyes. 

510.  BREWER'S  BLACKBIRD  (Euphagus  cyanocephalus.) 

A  western  species,  but  frequently  seen  in  migration  in 
South  Dakota.  Slightly  larger  than  the  preceding  and  dis- 
tinguished from  it  by  its  violet  purple  head  and  uniform  black 
body. 

51  Ib.     BRONZED  GRACKLE  (Quiscalus  quiscula  aeneus.) 

This  is  the  largest  Blackbird  in  the  State,  and  the  one  that 
comes  familiarly  about  our  homes.  They  are  quite  unafraid  on 
our  lawns,  and  walk  in  stately  fashion,  swinging  their  long  tails 
from  side  to  side.  They  sometimes  become  unpleasantly  numer- 
ous and  crowd  other  birds  out,  especially  if  a  good  nesting  grove 
is  near. 

Head  and  neck  steel  blue;  back  and  under  parts  bronze; 
wings  and  tail  purple.  The  tail  of  the  old  birds  is  often  V-shaped 
when  flying.  Nests  in  shade  trees,  often  several  in  the  same 
tree. 

FAMILY  FRINGILLID.E.    FINCHES,  GROSBEAKS  AND 

SPARROWS 

The  Finch  family  is  the  largest  of  our  bird  families,  num- 
bering nearly  600  species,  over  ninety  of  which  are  in  North 
America.  They  are  seed  eating  birds  and  have  strong  bills  for 
crushing  their  food.  The  family  comprises  the  Finches  proper,. 


110  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

Sparrows,  Grosbeaks,  and  others.    Many  of  them  are  fine  sing- 
ers, and  some  are  beautiful  in  color. 

The  Sparrows  are  modest  colored  birds  and  not  always 
easily  distinguished  from  each  other.  They  are  unpretentious 
in  song  and  not  remarkably  interesting  to  study.  We  have  them 
with  us  all  the  time,  but  not  always  the  same  species :  some  are 
annual  residents,  some  winter  residents,  others  summer  resi- 
dents, but  most  are  migrants.  They  are  all  of  great  value  in  de- 
stroying weed  seeds,  although,  like  practically  all  birds,  they 
feed  their  young  on  insects.  The  English  Sparrow  is  known  to 
every  child,  and  for  this  reason  may  be  taken  as  the  type  and 
measure  of  them  all,  some  being  larger  and  some  smaller;  al- 
though the  English  Sparrow  is  utterly  different  in  habits  from 
all  others. 

The  Grosbeaks  are  a  notable  group  in  this  family,  much 
larger  than  most  Sparrows,  some  of  them  gorgeously  colored, 
and  many  noted  for  sweet  song.  They  have  thick,  powerful  bills 
for  crushing  seeds  and  opening  cones. 

The  Longspurs  are  distinctively  birds  of  the  open  prairie. 
They  are  named  from  the  unusual  development  of  the  hind  toe 
and  claw.  The  unpracticed  observer  would  not  distinguish  them 
from  Sparrows,  to  which  they  are  closely  related. 

514.  EVENING  GROSBEAK  (Hesperiphona  vespertina  vespertina.) 

A  winter  resident  in  our  State  and  not  abundant.  Similar 
in  size  to  the  well  known  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak.  Crown  and 
tail  black;  upper  part  of  wings  white,  lower  part  black;  back 
and  under  parts  dark  yellow.  Female  dingy  yellow,  lighter  be- 
low. The  bill  is  thicker  than  in  other  Grosbeaks. 

515.  PINE  GROSBEAK  (Pinicola  enucleator  leucura.) 

This  bird  is  rare  in  the  State  as  a  winter  resident.  Mr. 
A.  T.  Solem,  a  keen  bird  observer  of  Union  County,  says,  "In 
earlier  years  I  saw  it  frequently,  but  rarely  of  late."  Mr.  Charles 
E.  McChesney  also  saw  it  at  Fort  Sisseton  in  1898. 

It  is  about  eight  and  one  half  inches  in  length.  Male  gray, 
ringed  with  rosy  red  but  gray  predominating  on  center  of  back, 
wings  and  under  parts.  Female  gray  and  not  tinged  with  red. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  111 

517.     PURPLE  FINCH  (Carpodacus  purpureus  purpureus.) 

A  rare  summer  resident  in  South  Dakota.  Thick  bill; 
forked  tail;  head,  back  and  breast  pinkish  purple;  lower  belly 
whitish;  wings  and  tail  slaty.  About  the  size  of  the  English 
Sparrow,  which  the  female  and  young  resemble.  While  it  has 
none  of  the  obnoxious  habits  of  the  English  Sparrow,  it  is  sup- 
posed to  be  its  nearest  relative. 

521.  CROSSBILL  (Loxia  curvirostra  minor.) 

The  Crossbill  may  be  an  annual  resident  in  our  western 
tier  of  counties.  It  has  been  taken  in  the  eastern  part  of  the 
State  as  a  migrant.  About  the  size  of  the  English  Sparrow. 
As  the  name  implies,  the  two  halves  of  the  bill  are  crossed, 
adapting  it  for  twisting  seeds  from  pine  cones.  These  seeds  are 
their  main  food  and  they  often  eat  hanging  to  branches  head 
downward. 

Wings  and  tail  slaty  gray.  Head,  back  and  under  parts 
brownish  red.  Females  and  young  dull  olive  green ;  rump  and 
under  parts  tinged  with  yellow. 

522.  WHITE-WINGED  CROSSBILL  (Loxia  leucoptera.) 

Size  similar  to  the  Crossbill ;  range  farther  north ;  irregu- 
lar in  migration  during  winter  in  South  Dakota. 

Male  dull  carmine  red,  lighter  on  rump ;  wings  black  with 
two  white  bars;  female  and  young  brownish,  tinged  with  yellow; 
bill  crossed  as  in  the  preceding  species.  The  Crossbills  are 
great  wanderers  during  winter  and  for  that  reason  have  been 
called  the  "gypsies"  among  birds ;  however,  it  may  be  said  that 
their  habitat  is  the  coniferous  forests  of  North  America. 

528.  REDPOLL  (Acanthis  linaria  linaria.) 

The  somewhat  obscured  red  crown  patch  and  rosy  breast 
help  to  distinguish  this  cheery  little  bird  in  winter  from  numer- 
ous Sparrows.  It  nests -in  the  northern  part  of  the  Northern 
Hemisphere,  but  in  winter  it  comes  to  us  and  may  be  seen  feed- 
ing on  weed  seeds,  usually  about  the  edges  of  groves. 

529.  GOLDFINCH  (Astragalinus  tristis  tristis.) 

This  charming  bird  is  frequently  called  "Wild  Canary,"  but 
there  are  no  Wild  Canaries  in  this  country.  Its  black  cap,  wings 


112  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

and  tail,  contrasting  strongly  with  the  yellow  body,  easily  dis- 
tinguish it  from  the  Yellow  Warbler,  which  is  wholly  yellow. 
It  is  an  abundant  annual  resident.  In  winter  the  yellow  of  the 
male  has  disappeared.  Males,  females  and  young  can  scarcely 
be  distinguished  in  their  grayish  brown  plumage  as  they  feed 
by  half  dozens  on  sunflower  or  other  weed  seeds.  They  believe 
in  long  courtships  and  do  not  nest  until  late  June  or  early  July. 

530.     ARKANSAS  GOLDFINCH  (Astragalinus  psaltria  psaltria.) 

Probably  rare  in  our  State  but  it  has  been  found  nesting 
in  Sanborn  County.  It  is  much  shorter  than  the  preceding ;  has 
the  black  cap,  wings  and  tail,  and  yellow  belly,  but  is  wholly 
greenish  gray  on  back  and  cheeks.  It  may  easily,  be  distin- 
guished from  the  preceding  by  its  smaller  size. 

533.  PINE  SISKIN:  PINE  FINCH  (Sp'mus  pinus.) 

Has  the  appearance  of  a  small  Sparrow.  Above  brownish 
black,  feathers  edged  with  gray;  below,  lighter;  outer  tail  and 
wing  feathers  edged  with  yellow;  tail  forked;  bill  sharp.  A 
winter  resident  in  South  Dakota. 

534.  SNOW  BUNTING  (Plectrophenax  nivalis  nivalis.) 

Frequently  in  large  flocks,  and  exceedingly  beautiful  in 
their  soft,  white  winter  plumage.  Named  from  the  fact  that  as 
they  circle  and  alight  on  the  northern  prairies  they  are  thought 
to  resemble  whirling  and  falling  snow.  The  Snow  Bunting  is 
one  of  the  Longspurs,  possessing  the  long  hind-toe  nail.  Feeds 
on  weed  seeds ;  nests  in  the  Arctic  regions. 

536.  LAPLAND  LONGSPUR  (Calcarius  lapponicus  lapponicus.) 
•fe 

We  see  these  birds  only  in  winter,  when  they  come  to  us 

from  their  snow  covered  northern  home  on  the  wings  of  a  storm. 
In  their  winter  plumage  the  unpracticed  observer  would  take 
them  for  Sparrows,  but  in  summer  the  males  are  beautifully 
marked.  The  cap,  cheeks,  throat  and  upper  breast  are  black. 
The  long  hind-toe  nail  will  help  to  identify  tht-ia. 

537.  SMITH'S  LONGSPUR  (Calcarius  pictus.) 

This  is  also  a  migrant  and  Sparrow-like  in  coloration,  ex- 
cept that  the  under  parts  arc  buft. 


GOLDFINCH  AND  HER  YOUNG 


MALE  BLUEBIRD  FEEDING  HIS  MATE 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  113 

It  is  an  early  breeder  in  northern  British  America,  as 
young  have  been  taken  in  Sully  County  the  eighteenth  of  August. 

538.  CHESTNUT-COLLARED  LONGSPUR  (Calcarius  ornatus.) 

One  of  the  most  familiar  birds  of  our  unbroken  prairie. 
To  the  general  Sparrow  colors  are  added  a  black  cap,  chestnut 
collar,  white  throat,  and  breast  heavily  washed  with  black.  It 
nests  by  a  bunch  of  grass  and  its  sweet  warble  is  uttered  on  the 
wing  after  the  fashion  of  the  Lark. 

539.  McCowAN's  LONGSPUR  (Rhynchophanes  m'cowni.) 

This  bird  is  similar  in  form  and  habits  to  the  preceding, 
but  the  shoulder  of  the  wing  is  chestnut  instead  of  the  collar, 
the  black  of  the  breast  does  not  extend  over  the  belly,  and  there 
is  a  black  mustache.  This  species  is  not  so  plentiful  as  the  last, 
but  both  are  found  nesting  on  the  same  prairie  hills. 

540a.     WESTERN  VESPER  SPARROW  (Pooecetes  gramineus  confinis.) 

A  summer  resident,  and  one  of  our  smallest  Sparrows, 
shoulder  patch  and  white  margined  outer  tail  feathers.  It  sings 
from  some  lone  pasture  tree  or  bushtop  in  the  evening. 

542a.     SAVANNAH  SPARROW  (Passer culus"  sandw ichensis  savanna.) 

A  summer  resident,  recognized  by  the  yellow  line  over 
the  eye,  together  with  the  well  spotted  breast.  Most  abundant  in 
migration. 

542b.     WESTERN  SAVANNAH   SPARROW   (Passerculus  sandwichensis 
alaudinus.) 

Similar  to  the  preceding,  but  its  general  appearance  is 
paler,  with  the  line  over  the  eyes  gray  instead  of  yellow,  and 
a  more  slender  bill. 

A  western  species  and  a  migrant  in  South  Dakota. 

545.     BAIRD'S  SPARROW  (Amrnodramus  bairdi.) 

A  Sparrow  of  the  western  plains,  which  nests  north  of  us. 
Crown    buffy;    back    black    and    brown;    below,    white 
streaked  with  black. 

546a.     WESTERN  GRASSHOPPER  SPARROW  (Ammodramus  savannarum 

bimaculatus.) 
A   summer  resident,  and  one  of  our  smallest  Sparrows. 


114  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

It  is  frequently  seen  on  a  fence  by  the  roadside  or  on  tall  weeds 
in  meadows.  It  is  easily  recognized  by  the  action  of  wings  in 
flight  like  a  Hummingbird  or  by  its  insect-like  song. 

547 a.     WESTERN  HENSLOW'S  SPARROW  (Passerherbulus  henslowi 
occidentalis.) 

A  small  Sparrow  that  nests  in  the  State.  Above,  reddish 
brown  streaked  with  gray ;  below,  white ;  ,tail  feathers  pointed. 

548.  LECONTE'S  SPARROW  (Passerherbulus  lecontei.) 

A  migrant  in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  State,  nesting 
west  of  the  Missouri  River. 

Size  of  the  preceding  but  no  yellow  on  wings;  otherwise 
not  unusually  marked. 

549.  1.     NELSON'S  SPARROW  (Passerherbulus  nelsoni  nelsoni.) 

A  summer  resident.  All  the  tail  feathers  are  pointed,  the 
outer  ones  being  shortest.  Breast  buffy. 

552.  LARK  SPARROW  (Chondestes  grarnmacus  gramrnacus.) 

A  summer  resident  and  beautiful  singer,  a  thoroughly 
lovable  bird.  The  sides  of  the  head  have  distinct  chestnut 
patches,  and  the  outer  tail  feathers  are  margined  with  white, 
which  extends  to  broad  tips  on  all  but  the  central  feathers.  The 
song  may  be  recognized  by  a  distinct  nasal  note  in  the  middle 
of  it.  They  nest  upon  the  ground,  but  love  the  edges  of  towns 
where  there  are  a  few  trees.  Very  common  on  the  grassy  hill- 
sides bordering  the  Missouri  River. 

553.  HARRIS'S  SPARROW  (Zonotrichia  querula.) 

An  abundant  migrant.  A  fine  large  Sparrow,  recognized 
instantly  by  the  black  head,  throat  and  upper  breast,  and  by  the 
clear,  rather  plaintive  whistle.  For  a  few  days  in  spring  and 
fall  in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  State  the  bushes  are  full  of 
them :  suddenly  they  are  gone. 

ENGLISH  SPARROW  (Passer  domesticus.) 

Introduced  from  England  in  1851..  Too  common  in  cities, 
towns  and  around  farm  buildings  to  need  description.  The  color 
of  the  male  would  be  pleasing  if  only  he  were  clean.  So  dogged 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  115 

in  disposition  are  these  birds  of  city  gutters  that  they  crowd 
other  birds  out.  They  attempt  to  occupy  every  house  made  for 
Bluebirds  and  Wrens,  seek  to  monopolize  every  bird  bath  and 
food  box,  and  even  tear  up  the  lining  of  other  birds'  nests  and 
throw  out  their  eggs.  Their  young  are  raised  on  insects  but  at 
all  other  times  their  food  is  chiefly  grain.  They  are  considered 
a  pest  but  must  not  be  confused  with  our  native  Sparrows,  which 
are  all  beneficial. 

554.     WHITE-CROWNED  SPARROW  (Zonotrichia  leucophrys  leucophrys.) 

A  medium  sized  Sparrow  seen  only  in  migration.  White 
crown  and  white  stripe  over  eyes  separated  by  a  black  stripe 
reaching  to  bill. 

554a.     GAMBEL'S  SPARROW  (Zonotrichia  leucophrys  gambel.) 

A  western  species  of  No.  553  and  very  similar  but  for 
white  stripes  over  eyes  reaching  to  bill.  In  South  Dakota  only 
in  migration. 

558.  WHITE-THROATED  SPARROW  (Zonotrichia  albicollis.) 

A  common  ihigrant.  Called  the  Peabody  Bird  and  easily 
recognized  by  its  white  throat,  black  crown  divided  by  a  white 
stripe,  and  white  stripe  over  the  eye,  yellowish  at  the  front. 

559.  TREE  SPARROW  (Spizella  monticola  monticola.) 

These  are  winter  residents,  and  come  to  us  in  large  num- 
bers. Loose  flocks  of  them  are  seen  wherever  there  are  groves 
or  bushes,  and  they  are  easily  recognized  by  the  dark  spot  in 
the  center  of  a  gray  white  breast.  They  are  cheery  birds,  and 
ere  they  return  north  in  spring  they  "tune  up,"  so  that  their  com- 
bined call  notes  and  songs  amount  almost  to  chorus  singing. 

The  Western  Tree  Sparrow  No.  559a  is  no  doubt  the 
prevailing  subspecies  of  western  South  Dakota. 

560.  CHIPPING  SPARROW  (Spizella  passerina  passerina.) 

A  summer  resident.  This  little  gem,  easily  recognized  by 
his  small  size,  chestnut  crown,  distinct  white  stripe  over  eye, 
black  line  through  eye,  and  black  forehead,  loves  the  trees  about 
our  homes.  His  song  is  a  single  trill — "chip,  chip,  chip,  chee- 
ee-ee." 


116  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

560a.     WESTERN  CHIPPING  SPARROW  (Spizella  passerina  arizonae.) 

Similar  to  the  eastern  form,  but  paler  above.  Has  been 
taken  in  Fall  River  County. 

561.     CLAY-COLORED  SPARROW  (Spizella  pallida.) 

A  common  migrant,  frequently  nesting  in  the  State.  The 
colors  are  paler  above  than  is  common  with  Sparrows;  belly 
white.  The  song  has  a  distinct  nasal  note. 

563a.     WESTERN  FIELD  SPARROW  (Spizella  pusilla  arenacea.) 

A  summer  resident.  This  is  a  slender,  light  colored  Spar- 
row, with  a  grayish  brown  cap.  It  is  unfortunately  named,  for 
it  loves  the  trees  which  border  fields  rather  than  the  open  spaces. 
Its  song,  which  is  easily  recognized,  is  a  vigorous  "cher-wee- 
cher-wee,  chee-o-dee-e-e-e-e-e"  in  ascending  scale. 

566.  WHITE-WINGED  JUNCO  (Junco  aikeni.) 

A  summer  resident  in  the  Black  Hills  and  forest  reserves 
of  Harding  County.  Slaty  gray  above ;  two  white  wing  bars  and 
three  outer  tail  feathers  white. 

567.  SLATE-COLORED  JUNCO  (Junco  hyemalis  hyemalis.)  "SNOWBIRD" 

A  frequent  winter  resident  in  the  southeastern  part  of 
the  State,  seen  in  flocks  about  thickets  and  often  near  homes 
feeding  with  Sparrows.  A  sleek,  slate  colored  bird,  about  the 
size  of  the  female  English  Sparrow.  The  bill,  belly  and  outer  tail 
feathers  are  white. 

581.     SONG  SPARROW  (Melospiza  melodia  melodia.) 

A  frequent  migrant  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State,  easily 
recognized  by  its  heavily  streaked  breast,  the  streaks  merging 
into  a  dark  patch  at  the  center.  Above  reddish  brown  with  black 
streaks. 

It  is  an  attractive  singer. 

581  j.     DAKOTA  SONG  SPARROW-  (Melospiza  melodia  juddi.) 

Common  over  the  State  in  migration  and  probably  nests 
west  of  the  Missouri  River. 

Similar  to  No.  581  but  paler  above;  the  black  patch  on 
the  belly  is  less  prominent,  with  more  white  showing. 


YOUNG  BALTIMORE  ORIOLES 


YOUNG  ROSE-BREASTED   GROSBEAKS 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  117 

583.     LINCOLN'S  SPARROW  (Melospiza  lincolni  lincolni.) 

A  small  Sparrow  rather  dark  colored,  profusely  striped, 
with  a  brownish  area  on  the  breast.  It  loves  to  run  about  on  the 
ground,  going  in  and  out  of  brush  piles.  A  migrant. 

585.     Fox  SPARROW  (Passerella  iliaca  iliaca.) 

A  somewhat  irregular  migrant  in  the  eastern  part  of  the 
State  and  larger  than  most  of  our  Sparrows. 

Above,  gray  and  brown;  below,  profusely  marked  with 
reddish  brown  spots;  tail  reddish  brown. 

587.  ToWHEE   (Pipilo  erythrophthalrnus  erythrophthalmus.) 

"CHEWINK." 

This  splendid  bird  of  the  underbrush  is  a  little  larger  than 
an  Oriole.  The  male  has  black  head  and  back,  chestnut  sides, 
and  white  belly.  Three  outer  tail  feathers  also  are  white.  It  is 
named  for  its  song,  "to-hee-ee-ee,"  uttered  with  a  distinct  pause 
after  "to,"  almost  as  though  the  song  came  from  two  birds. 
Chewinks  are  found  only  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State.  They 
are  often  seen  scratching  up  leaves  under  bushes  like  barnyard 
hens.  Summer  residents. 

588.  ARCTIC  TOWHEE  (Pipilo  maculatus  arcticus.) 

Abundant  in  migration  over  the  State  and  probably  breeds 
west  of  the  Missouri  River.  Larger  than  the  preceding.  More 
white  on  wings  but  only  one  third  of  outer  tail  feathers  white. 
Habits  same  as  No.  587. 

593.     CARDINAL  (Cardinalis  cardinalis  cardinalis.) 

The  Cardinal  is  nearly  as  large  as  the  Blue  Jay.  The 
male  is  flaming  red  but  for  the  black  throat  and  forehead.  Fe- 
male, dull  brownish  red.  Both  have  crest  feathers.  The  Gros- 
beaks all  have  massive  bills  for  the  crushing  of  seeds.  South 
Dakota  is  at  the  northern  limit  of  their  range,  but  several  pairs 
are  now  annual  residents  in  the  timbered  area  of  Union  and  Clay 
counties. 

595.     ROSE-BREASTED  GROSBEAK  (Zamelodia  ludoviciana.) 

The  male  is  black  and  white,  with  V-shaped  rose  colored 
breast.  The  female  is  as  homely  as  the  male  is  beautiful.  Her 


118  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

general  appearance  is  brownish  mixed  with  some  white.     She 
may  easily  be  taken  for  a  large  Sparrow. 

This  splendid  bird  is  now  common  in  the  southeastern 
part  of  the  State  and  rivals  our  best  songsters  in  musical  per- 
formance. It  is  the  only  bird  that  feeds  on  potato  bugs.  A  few 
pairs  of  these  summer  residents  in  the  garden  will  keep  the  po- 
tato patch  free  from  these  pests. 

596.     BLACK-HEADED  GROSBEAK  (Zamelodia  melanocephala.) 

A  rare  summer  resident  in  the  western  part  of  the  State, 
where  it  takes  the  place  of  the  Rose-breasted  Grosbeak.  It  pre- 
fers the  wooded  creeks  and  ravines  rather  than  the  thick  pine 
woods. 

Head  black;  neck,  rump  and  under  parts  light  brown; 
wings  with  white  patches ;  yellow  patch  on  belly ;  back  streaked 
with  black  and  brown. 

597a.     WESTERN  BLUE  GROSBEAK  (Guiraca  caerulea  lazula.) 

Known  to  nest  along  the  Missouri  River  as  far  north  as 
Pierre.  The  male  is  bright  blue  with  wings  grayish  slate  and 
two  chestnut  bars.  The  female  is  grayish  brown  above  and 
lighter  below. 

598.  INDIGO  BUNTING  (Passerina  cyanea.) 

This  beautiful  Bunting,  whose  every  feather  is  indigo  or 
blackish,  is  about  the  size  of  a  Canary.  The  female  is  brownish. 
Like  the  Tanagers,  they  are  not  plentiful,  but  scattered  sparingly 
over  their  range.  They  love  the  edges  of  outlying  groves,  and 
where  available  the  male  loves  to  perch  on  a  telegraph  wire 
while  singing. 

599.  LAZULI  BUNTING  (Passerina  amoena.) 

Probably  breeds  in  the  western  part  of  the  State.  A  male 
was  seen  along  the  Missouri  River  in  July,  1915. 

About  the  size  of  the  Indigo  Bunting.  Head,  neck  and 
upper  parts  blue ;  back  mixed  with  black ;  breast  light  brown ; 
belly  white;  two  white  bars  on  the  dull  gray  wings. 

604.     DICKCISSEL  (Spiza  americana.) 

"Dickey",  while  suggesting  a  Sparrow,  is  marked  not  un- 


NEST  OF  BELL'S  VIREO 


BLUE  JAY'S  NEST  AND  YOUNG 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  119 

like  the  Meadowlark.  Breast  yellow  with  black  throat  patch, 
the  upper  throat  being  white.  One  cannot  ride  far  into  the 
country  without  seeing  him  on  fence  or  weed.  He  is  always 
singing,  but  he  can't  sing.  With  strenuous  repetition  however, 
he  does  say,  "dick  dick-che,  che,  che  che,  e  e  e."  A  summer 
resident  in  the  southern  part  of  the  State.  Nests  on  the  ground 
or  in  low  bushes. 

605.     LARK  BUNTING  (Calamospiza  melanocorys.) 

This  splendid  summer  resident  is  found  over  the  State  but 
is  most  abundant  west  of  the  Missouri  River.  It  is  distinctly  a 
bird  of  the  Plains.  The  male  is  black  with  large  white  wing 
patches.  The  female  is  Sparrow-like  in  plumage,  but  with  white 
tipped  tail,  and  buff  wing  bars. 

Nests  on  the  ground  near  a  sagebush  or  clump  of  weeds. 
As  the  male  rises  on  wing  he  begins  his  song,  which  continues 
almost  until  he  alights,  and  is  uttered  in  several  distinct  phrases. 
Each  song-phrase  seems  to  coincide  with  a  distinct  flight-phase 
or  direction.  The  Lark  Bunting  is  often  confused  with  the 
Bobolink. 

FAMILY  TANGARID^E.     TANAGERS 

The  Tanagers  are  not  plentiful  in  South  Dakota,  but  their 
gleaming  colors  and  rather  shy  ways  make  them  subjects  of 
great  interest.  One  belongs  to  the  eastern  part  of  the  State  and 
the  other  to  the  Black  Hills  region.  They  are  summer  residents. 

607.  WESTERN  TAN  ACER  (Piranga  ludoviciana.) 

But  for  the  reddish  wash  on  head  and  neck,  the  inexpe- 
rienced observer,  upon  seeing  this  bird,  would  exclaim,  "What  a 
large  Goldfinch !"  It  is  about  the  size  of  an  Oriole.  The  gen- 
eral color  is  yellow.  Head  and  neck  are  washed  with  red,  while 
wings,  shoulders  across  the  back,  and  tail  are  black.  This  ex- 
quisite bird  is  found  from  the  Pacific  to  the  Plains;  the  Black 
Hills  and  the  wooded  areas  of  Washabaugh  County  are  the 
eastern  limit  of  its  range. 

608.  SCARLET  TANAGER  (Piranga  erythromelas.) 

The  male  is  like  a  flaming  torch  among  the  trees.  Every 
feather  on  its  body  proper  is  brilliant  scarlet  while  every  feather 


120  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

on  wings  and  tail  is  jet  black.  Female  olive  green  on  back  and 
yellow  below;  wings  and  tail  slaty  brown.  They  are  summer 
residents  in  South  Dakota,  but  are  not  plentiful.  Seldom  is  more 
than  one  pair  found  in  any  grove.  The  song  is  a  rather  weak 
imitation  of  the  Robin's,  but  the  male's  lack  of  musical  ability 
is  more  than  compensated  for  by  its  beauty. 
Tanagers  have  short,  thick  bills. 

FAMILY  HIRUNDINIME.    SWALLOWS 

Swallows  are  numerous  in  South  Dakota,  but  very  unob- 
trusive. Seldom  can  one  look  up  into  the  sky  without  seeing  a 
Swallow  pass.  With  the  exception  of  the  Martin  they  are  not 
singers,  and  they  gather  their  food  entirely  upon  the  wing.  They 
come  to  us  late  in  spring,  when  there  are  insects  enough  to  eat, 
and  leave  early  in  autumn  before  the  supply  is  too  much  de- 
pleted. 

611.  PURPLE  MARTIN  (Progne  subis  subis.) 

This  is  our  largest  Swallow,  and  the  only  one  that  sings. 
A  common  summer  resident,  nesting  readily  wherever  Martin 
houses  are  erected.  The  house  may  be  two  or  three  stories  high 
and  of  many  rooms,  for  these  are  sociable  birds.  The  more  there 
are  together  the  better  they  seem  to  like  it. 

612.  CLIFF  SWALLOW  (Petrochelidon  lunifrons  lunifrons.) 

These  Swallows  have  brought  their  mud-bottle  nests  from 
rocky  cliffs  and  placed  them  under  the  eaves  of  barns.  They 
are  therefore  sometimes  called  the  Eaves  Swallow.  Tail  square, 
forehead  and  rump  buffy.  They  are  social  birds  and  build  in 
colonies. 

613.  BARN  SWALLOW  (Hirundo  erythrogastra.) 

Barn  Swallows  nest  inside  the  barn,  plastering  their  half- 
saucers  to  beam  or  rafter.  They  seem  quite  fearless  of  men 
or  animals  and  pass  in  and  out  close  to  one's  head.  They  are 
easily  identified  by  their  iridescent  plumage ;  chestnut  forehead, 
throat  and  upper  breast ;  and  forked  tail. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  121 

614.  TREE  SWALLOW  (Iridoprocne  bicolor.) 

"An  abundant  migrant  and  rare  breeder"  (Visher,  for  Clay 
County). 

Upper  parts  glossy  green;  wings  and  tail  darker;  belly 
white. 

The  Tree  Swallows  nest  in  abandoned  Woodpecker  holes 
*nd  can  be  encouraged  to  rear  their  young  in  bird  houses. 

615.  NORTHERN  VIOLET-GREEN  SWALLOW  (Tachycineta  thalass'ma 

lepida.) 

A  western  species  occasionally  seen  in  the  western  part  of 
South  Dakota  during  the  summer.  One  of  the  smallest  of  our 
Swallows.  Above,  glossy  green;  around  eyes  and  under  parts 
white. 

616.  BANK  SWALLOW  (Riparia  riparia.) 

This  is  our  smallest  and  lightest  colored  Swallow,  being 
grayish  brown. 

It  is  easily  recognized  by  the  wide,  grayish  brown  band 
across  the  breast.  Like  the  Cliff  Swallows,  they  nest  in  colo- 
nies, tunneling  their  holes  into  banks  and  making  a  grass  nest  at 
the  enlarged  end. 

617.  ROUGH-WINGED  SWALLOW  (Stelgidopteryx  serripcnnis.) 

Very  like  the  Bank  Swallow  and  with  similar  nesting 
habits,  but  without  a  band  across  the  breast. 

FAMILY  BOMBYCILLID^:.    WAXWINGS 

Waxwings  are  represented  in  North  America  by  only  two 
species  and  South  Dakota  entertains  one  as  a  summer  and  the 
other  as  a  winter  resident.  They  are  usually  seen  in  small  flocks 
feeding  on  cedar  or  other  wild  berries. 

618.  BOHEMIAN  WAXWING  (Bomby cilia  garrula.) 

An  irregular  winter  resident,  always  in  compact  flocks  of 
a  dozen  or  so.  Brownish  gray,  with  plumage  of  smooth,  velvety 
effect.  Distinguishing  marks  are  the  crest,  the  black  throat,  the 
wax-wing  tips,  and  yellow  on  the  end  of  the  tail.  They  keep 
well  up  in  the  trees  and  seldom  utter  a  note. 


122  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

619.     CEDAR  WAXWING  (Bomby cilia  cedrorurn.) 

A  little  smaller  than  the  Bohemian,  and  more  uniformly 
brownish  gray  in  color.  A  common  migrant,  occasionally  nest- 
ing. In  migration  these  silent  birds  have  the  habit  of  sitting  in 
a  row  on  a  limb.  They  are  always  in  close  flocks  of  a  dozen  or 
so,  and  impress  one  as  being  very  much  attached  to  each  other. 
In  1919  a  few  pairs  nested  in  the  vicinity  of  Vermillion.  The 
young  were  full  grown  by  August  1st. 

FAMILY  LANIID^E.    SHRIKES 

The  Shrikes  are  commonly  known  as  Butcherbirds.  They 
kill  smaller  birds  and  mice  and  hang  them  upon  a  hedge  thorn 
or  the  barb  of  a  wire  fence.  Flies  then  lay  their  eggs  in  the  fresh 
meat,  and  the  maggots  are  dainty  morsels  for  the  Butcher. 

621.     NORTHERN  SHRIKE  (Lanius  borealis.) 

About  the  size  of  a  Blue.  Jay;  bluish  gray,  with  black 
wings,  tail  and  eye  line.  Margin  of  tail  and  wing  spots  white. 
The  white  under  parts  are  dotted  with  wavy  bars. 

622a.     WHITE-RUMPED  SHRIKE  (Lanius  ludovicianus  excubitorides.) 

A  common  summer  resident.  Similar  to  the  Northern, 
but  smaller,  and  without  the  wavy  bars  on  the  breast.  Fre- 
quently seen  on  telephone  wires  or  wire  fences  by  the  roadside. 
Nests  in  low  bushes  and  brush  heaps. 

FAMILY  VIREONID^E.    VIREOS 

The  Vireos  or  "Greenlets"  keep  well  among  the  foliage, 
some  of  them  to  the  high  tree  tops.  Their  colors  are  not  con- 
spicuous, being  for  the  most  part  olive  green  above  and  whitish 
below,  and  their  songs  attract  little  attention.  The  nest  is  a 
neat,  pendent  cup,  the  upper  edge  being  lashed  closely  around 
the  fork  of  a  horizontal  twig.  The  Vireos  all  have  the  "Fly- 
catcher bill." 

624.     RED-EYED  VIREO  (J'ireosylva  olivacea.) 

This  bird  lives  for  the  most  part  in  the  upper  third  of 
high  trees.  He  may  be  recognized  by  the  distinct  white  line 
over  the  eye,  a  black  line  separating  it  from  a  gray  crown.  His 


YOUNG  CHEWINK 


YOUNG  YELLOW  WARBLERS 


YOUNG  BROWN  THRASHER 


YOUNG  ROBIN 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  123 

song  is  incessant.  The  rather  unattractive  warble  has  been  de- 
scribed as  "you  see  it — you  know  it — do  you  hear  me, — do  you 
believe  it?" 

627.     WARBLING  VIREO  (Vireosylva  gilva  gilva.) 

This  is  our  most  delightful  Vireo.  An  inhabitant  of  the 
high  tree  top  and  seldom  seen,  but  heard  almost  any  hour  of  the 
day.  Its  song  is  a  pleasing  and  all  but  incessant  warble.  No  day 
is  too  hot,  even  at  the  noon  hour,  to  discourage  its  melody. 

Similar  to  No.  624  but  lacks  the  gray  crown  with  black 
margin. 

627a.     WESTERN  WARBLING  VIREO  (Vireosylva  gilva  swainsoni.) 

This  subspecies  strays  east  to  the  western  part  of  our 
State.  It  is  similar  to  the  preceding  but  slightly  smaller  and 
grayer. 

629.     BLUE-HEADED  VIREO  (Lanivireo  solitarius  solitarius.) 

"A  rare  spring  migrant"  (Visher,  for  Clay  County).  Also 
reported  as  common  in  migration  for  Iowa. 

629b.     PLUMBEOUS  VIREO  (Lanivireo  solitarius  plumbeus.) 

Reported  by  Chapman  as  "breeding  in  southwestern  Da- 
kota." 

633.     BELL'S  VIREO  (Vireo  belli  belli.) 

This  "Greenlet"  is  a  lover  of  tall  underbrush  and  may  be 
found  among  the  ddgwood  bushes  of  our  river  bottoms,  in  the 
stunted  growth  of  many  tree  claims,  or  wherever  tall  bushes  are 
to  be  found.  It  keeps  well  away  from  the  observer,  but  its  wav- 
ering and  rather  unmusical  song  is  unmistakable. 

FAMILY  MNIOTILTID^:.    WARBLERS 

The  Warbler  family  of  the  Western  Hemisphere  com- 
prises about  140  species  of  small,  beautifully  colored  birds,  most 
of+  them  about  the  size  of  the  Canary,  Forty  or  fifty  of  the 
species  visit  the  United  States,  and  most  of  them  are  migratory. 
The  Warblers  are  insect  eating  birds,  and  their  migrations  are 
closely  connected  with  this  fact.  They  are  nearly  the  last  of  the 
whole  bird  procession  to  come  north  in  spring.  They  arrive  in 


124  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

each  locality  about  blossom  time,  when  insects  in  vast  numbers 
are  emerging  from  the  larval  state  to  wreak  depredations  upon 
shade  and  fruit  trees. 

The  great  number  of  Warblers  in  migration  is  a  constant 
surprise.  There  are  days  when  the  trees  seem  alive  with  them, 
and  no  tree  escapes  their  helpful  ministries.  With  few  excep- 
tions they  are  birds  of  the  tree  rather  than  of  the  ground.  And 
they  are  birds  of  the  wing ;  they  literally  feed  on  the  wing  and  on 
the  run ;  they  are  never  still ;  they  flit  from  leaf  to  leaf  and  blos- 
som to  blossom  ;  they  cling  to  twigs  and  run  along  branches ;  they 
search  out  insect  eggs,  feast  on  insect  larvae  and  swallow  mature 
insects  indiscriminately ;  and  they  are  busy  in  this  way  from  day- 
light to  dark. 

Though  called  Warblers,  they  are  really  not  songsters; 
they  have  no  time  to  sing ;  they  are  too  busy  eating ;  they  sing  as 
they  go,  uttering  little  snatches  of  song  between  mouthfuls. 
These  bits  of  song  are  never  obtrusive,  but  as  much  a  part  of 
open  woodlands,  groves  and  orchards  as  atmosphere  or  blossoms 
or  the  humming  of  bees. 

Warblers  are  birds  of  variegated  colors,  the  most  conspi- 
cuous being  yellow  and  black,  followed  by  white,  blue  and  chest- 
nut. These  colors  are  usually  distributed  in  large  patches  or 
prominent  stripes  on  crown,  throat,  breast,  sides,  rump,  tail  and 
wings.  Apart  from  these  the  general  body  color  of  the  upper 
parts,  while  varying  much,  is  apt  to  be  bluish  gray,  or  olive 
green,  or  a  combination  of  these  two. 

636.     BLACK  AND  WHITE  WARBLER  (Mniotilta  varia.) 

A  common  migrant.  Black  and  white  striped,  with  a 
broad  white  stripe  through  the  center  of  the  black  crown,  and 
a  narrower  white  stripe  over  each  eye.  It  is  sometimes  called  the 
Creeping  Warbler  from  its  habit  of  creeping  along  tree  branches 
like  the  Brown  Creeper. 

645.     NASHVILLE  WARBLER  (I'ermivora  rubricapilla  rubricapilla.) 

Nests    in    the    Cave    Hills    Fores'    Reserve    of    Harding 

• 
County. 

About  four  and  one  half  inches  in  length.  Above,  olive 
green;  below,  yellow.  Head  gray  with  a  brown  crown-patch, 
but  the  latter  is  not  conspicuous  in  the  female. 


,  LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  125 

646.  ORANGE-CROWNED  WARBLER  (Vermivora  celata  celata.) 

Above,  olive  green  with  concealed  orange  crown  patch; 
below,  dusky  yellow.  It  is  seen  only  in  migration  and  might 
€asily  be  mistaken  for  the  female  Summer  Warbler. 

647.  TENNESSEE  WARBLER  (Vermivora  peregrina.) 

Rare  in  migration  over  the  State.  Above,  olive  green; 
below,  whitish.  Head  light  slate  with  white  line  over  the  eyes. 
Plumage  much  like  that  of  the  Red-eyed  Vireo  but  easily  iden- 
tified by  its  smaller  size  and  bill. 

652.     YELLOW  WARBLER  (Dendroica  aestiva  aestiva.) 

A  common  resident.  Called  also  Summer  Warbler.  This 
is  the  only  South  Dakota  bird  that  has  the  appearance  of  being 
wholly  yellow.  The  yellow  of  the  male  is  much  less  olivaceous 
than  that  of  the  female,  while  his  breast  is  obscurely  striped  with 
broad  bands  of  reddish  brown.  By  many  this  bird  is  confused 
with  the  American  Godfinch.  Although  a  bird  of  the  under- 
brush, in  South  Dakota,  where  there  is  so  little  underbrush,  it 
nests  freely  in  orchards,  and  even  in  the  bushes  of  our  door  yards. 
It  is  the  best  known  bird  that  discerns  the  danger  of  the  Cow- 
bird's  egg,  and  when  this  egg  is  found  in  her  nest,  the  little 
mother  will  often  bury  it,  together  with  her  own,  by  laying  a 
new  bottom  and  sometimes  adding  a  second  story  to  her  nest. 

655.  MYRTLE  WARBLER  (Dendroica  coronata.) 

An  abundant  migrant.  Bluish  gray,  heavily  streaked  and 
blotched  with  black  and  white;  easily  recognized  by  the  yellow 
patches  on  crown,  rump  and  sides.  It  is  commonly  called  the 
Myrtle  Bird. 

656.  AUDUBON'S  WARBLER  .Dendroica  auduboni  auduboni.) 

"Seen  frequently  in  the  Black  Hills ;  probably  nests.  Com- 
mon spring  migrant  along  the  White  River"  (Sweet).  It  is  easy 
to  mistake  this  beautiful  bird  for  the  more  common  Myrtle 
Warbler.  Its  yellow  throat  patch,  however,  distinguishes  it; 
and,  unlike  the  two  bars  of  the  Myrtle  Bird,  the  white  of  its 
'wings  is  a  solid  patch. 


126  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH   DAKOTA 

657.     MAGNOLIA  WARBLER  (Dendroica  magnolia.) 

A  common  migrant.  The  casual  observer  must  look 
sharply  to  distinguish  this  charming  Warbler  from  the  Myrtle 
Bird.  The  colors  are  the  same  but  differently  distributed.  The 
crown  lacks  the  yellow  patch  of  the  Myrtle  Bird.  The  under 
parts  are  yellow,  heavily  streaked  with  black  on  throat  and  sides. 

659.  CHESTNUT-SIDED  WARBLER  (Dendroica  pennsylvanica.) 

A  rather  rare  migrant,  but  instantly  recognized  by  its 
chestnut  sides,  white  cheeks  and  yellow  crown. 

660.  BAY-BREASTED  WARBLER  (Dendroica  castanea.) 

"A  rare  migrant"  (Visher,  for  Clay  County).  Throat, 
sides  and  crown  chestnut,  with  a  black  mask  crossing  the  fore- 
head and  falling  upon  the  cheeks. 

661.  BLACK-POLL  WARBLER  (Dendroica  striata.) 

An  abundant  migrant.  Chiefly  black  and  white,  the  upper 
parts  having  a  ground  color  of  bluish  gray ;  much  like  the  Black 
and  White  Warblers,  but  the  body  is  not  so  streaked;  crown 
black;  cheeks  with  an  elongated  white  patch.  In  autumn  the 
male  has  lost  his  black  cap,  both  male  and  female  having  as- 
sumed the  colors  of  their  young. 

662.  BLACKBURNIAN  WARBLER  (Dendroica  fusca.) 

"A  rare  spring  migrant"  (Visher,  for  Clay  County). 
Orange  and  black,  with  a  flaring  white  spot  on  the  wings ;  crown 
spot,  line  over  the  eyes,  eyelids,  large  ear  patch,  throat  and  breast 
flaming  orange.  This  "flaming  torch"  of  deep  woods  and  big 
trees  is  one  of  the  most  exquisite  birds  in  the  Warbler  family. 

667.     BLACK-THROATED  GREEN  WARBLER  (Dendroica  virens.) 

"An  uncommon  migrant"  (Visher,  for  Clay  County).  Olive 
green,  with  yellow  cheeks ;  throat  and  breast  black ;  much  white 
marking  on  the  wings. 

672.     PALM  WARBLER  (Dendroica  palmarum  palmarum.) 

"A  common  migrant"  (Visher,  for  Clay  County).  Olive 
brown,  with  dark  chestnut  crown ;  line  over  eye,  throat  and  breast 
yellow. 


WHITE-BREASTED    NUTHATCH   AT    FOOD   BOX 


PHOEBE'S  NEST  UNDER  A  BRIDGE 
(The  Eggs  are  Reflected  by  a  Mirror  Placed  Over  the  Nest.) 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  127 

674.     OVEN-BIRD  (Seiurus  aurocapillus.) 

A  summer  migrant  and  occasional  resident.  Somewhat 
larger  than  the  English  Sparrow;  but  very  different  in  form. 
Olive  green  above,  the  white  under  parts  heavily  streaked  with 
black  on  throat  and  sides.  Two  black  stripes  on  the  crown  in- 
close a  brownish,  or  golden  patch,  from  which  the  bird  has  been 
called  the  "Golden-crowned  Wagtail  Warbler".  The  Oven-bird 
is  large  for  a  Warbler,  and  strictly  a  ground  bird,  though  a  bird 
of  the  woods.  When  you  come  upon  them  they  walk  grace- 
fully from  you  like  diminutive  Bantam  Cocks.  They  are  most 
frequently  seen  in  migration,  though  some  nest  in  the  State, 
which  is  in  the  western  edge  of  their  breeding  range.  They  are 
named  from  their  oven-like  nest. 

675a.     GRINNELL'S  WATER-THRUSH   (Seiurus  noveboracensif 
notabilis.) 

A  common  migrant.  This  bird,  as  the  name  indicates, 
looks  more  like  a  Thrush  than  a  Warbler.  It  is  found  along 
streams,  and  may  easily  be  recognized  from  its  olive  color,  heav- 
ily streaked  breast,  yellowish  line  over  eye,  and  teetering  tail. 

679.  MOURNING  WARBLER  (Oporornis  Philadelphia.) 

A  rare  migrant  in  eastern  South  Dakota.  Olive  green, 
the  bluish  slate  of  head  and  neck  darkening  from  throat  to  lower 
breast,  where  it  meets  the  yellow  belly. 

680.  MACGILLIVRAY'S  WARBLER  (Oporornis  tolmiei.) 

"A  summer  resident  of  southwestern  South  Dakota" 
(Henshaw).  Scarcely  distinguishable  from  the  Mourning 
Warbler  but  for  the  white  eye  ring  above  and  below  the  eyes. 
Its  favorite  habitat  is  in  bushes  along  streams  and  in  moist 
places. 

68 la.     WESTERN  YELLOW  THROAT  (Geothlypis  trichas  occidentalis.) 

A  summer  resident.  Upper  parts  rich  olive  green ;  under 
parts  bright  yellow.  The  male  wears  a  black  mask  across  the 
forehead  which  falls  obliquely  upon  the  checks,  including  the 
eyes.  One  wonders  if  a  little  bird  bandit  is  challenging  one's 
right  to.  intrude  in  his  neighborhood  as  curiosity  brings  him  to 
the  top  of  bush  or  weed.  The  Yellowthroat's  favorite  haunt  is 


128  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

among  underbrush  or  clumps  of  tall  weeds  adjacent  to  low  or 
swampy  ground.  The  nest  is  on  or  near  the  ground,  and  here 
most  of  the  bird's  time  is  spent.  The  song  is  a  cheerful  "witchy, 
witchy,  witch,"  which,  when  once  heard,  can  never  be  forgotten. 

683.     YELLOW-BREASTED  CHAT  (Icteria  virens  virens.) 

Upper  parts  olive  green,  with  a  clear  white  line  over  the 
eye  reaching  to  the  base  of  the  bill;  throat  and  breast  bright 
yellow.  The  Chat  is  nearly  as  large  as  an  Oriole,  and  so  unlike 
all  other  Warblers  that  the  ordinary  observer  would  not  put  him 
in  the  Warbler  family  but  for  the  insistence  of  the  books  that 
he  belongs  there.  These  birds  love  a  tangle  of  trees,  vines  and 
bushes,  such  as  are  often  found  in  the  fringe  of  woods  skirting 
the  Missouri  River.  They  love  to  be  heard  rather  than  seen, 
and  when  you  are  in  their  vicinity  the  male  whistles,  quacks, 
barks,  chuckles  and  makes  numerous  other  noises,  seemingly  to 
attract  your  attention.  His  love  antics  are  like  the  bucking  of 
a  bronco.  With  drooping  wings  and  legs,  and  intensified  quacks 
and  "whistles,  he  bucks  his  way  in  aerial  circles  for  the  admira- 
tion of  his  mate. 

685.     WILSON'S  WARBLER  (Wihonia  pusilla  pusilla.) 

"A  common  migrant"  (Visher,  for  Clay  County).  Olive 
green,  with  shiny  black  crown,  and  forehead;  cheeks  and  under 
parts  yellow. 

687.     REDSTART  (Setophaga  ruticilla.)    | 

A  common  migrant  and  a  frequent  summer  resident.  The 
male  is  black,  with  salmon  red  on  sides,  wings  and  tail.  When 
the  tail  is  spread  in  flight  the  salmon  patches  are  large  and  fan 
shaped,  and  are  the  bird's  best  distinguishing  mark.  This  little 
"torch-bearer,"  as  the  Spaniards  call  it,  is  seen  in  a  certain  grove 
near  Vermillion  nearly  every  year  in  June  and  July,  where  it 
evidently  nests.  It  is  one  of  the  choicest  of  the  Warbler  family, 
extremely  light  and  airy  of  wing,  flitting  and  poising  like  a 
Hummingbird  as  it  gathers  insect  food  from  leaf  and  blossom. 

FAMILY  MOTACILLIDJE.  PIPITS 
697.     PIPIT;  "TITLARK"  (Anthus  rubescens.) 

This  interesting  bird,  though  not  common,  is  found  locally 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  129 

over  the  State.  It  is  a  slim  Sparrow-like  bird  with  a  long  hind- 
toe  nail.  Upper  parts  brownish  gray ;  below,  brownish  gray, 
streaked  with  black  on  sides  of  breast.  Sexes  are  alike  in  plum- 
age but  vary  slightly  with  season  to  a  buffy  appearance.  Song 
uttered  while  on  the  wing. 

700.  SPRAGUE'S  PIPIT;  "TITLARK"  (Anthus  spraguei.) 

A  common  migrant  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State,  nest- 
ing in  the  western  part.  Very  similar  to  the  American  Pipit  but 
more  buffy  above  and  below  and  streaked  with  brownish  black. 

A  bird  of  the  plains  with  feeding  habits  resembling  those 
of  the  Horned  Larks.  It  delivers  its  song  while  in  a  soaring 
flight.  Dr.  Elliott  Coues  says,  "The  song  itself  possesses  all 
the  qualities  which  have  made  the  European  Skylark  famous." 

FAMILY  CINCLID.E.  DIPPERS 

701.  DIPPER  (Cinclus  mexicanus  unicolor.) 

The  Dipper  or  Water  Ouzel  is  a  slate  colored  Thrush 
found  in  South  Dakota  which  the  ordinary  observer  would  never 
suspect  of  being  a  Thrush.  It  is  a  bird  of  the  mountains  and  of 
the  tumbling  water  of  rock  bottomed  streams.  Within  our 
State,  therefore,  it  is  found  only  in  the  Black  Hills.  These  birds 
love  the  rocks  in  midstream  that  are  partially  submerged.  Here 
they  are  accustomed  to  feed  by  dipping  under  the  water  with 
head  upstream.  The  song  resembles  somewhat  that  of  the 
Brown  Thrasher  but  is  sweeter  and  more  subdued. 

FAMILY  MIMID^E.  THRASHERS,  MOCKING  BIRDS 

702.  SAGE  THRASHER  (Oreoscoptes  montanus.) 

A  summer  resident  west  of  the  Missouri  River.  Smaller 
than  the  Brown  Thrasher.  Brownish  gray  above;  below,  white 
streaked  with  black ;  outer  tail  feathers  tipped  with  white. 

703a.     WESTERN  MOCKING  BIRD  (Mimus  polyglottos  leucopterus.) 

South  Dakota  is  north  of  the  range  of  the  Western 
Mockers,  although  they  are  occasionally  seen  in  the  Black  Hills 
or  along  streams  on  the  adjacent  plains.  These  matchless  song- 
sters are  ashy  gray  above  and  soiled  white  below,  with  wing 


130  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

patches  and  outer  tail  feathers  white.  The  Western  is  dis- 
tinguished from  the  Southern  Mocker  by  a  brownish  tinge  below 
and  larger  white  wing  patches.  The  Mocking  Birds  have  no 
equal  as  singers,  and  it  is  hoped  that  by  kind  treatment  they 
may  become  regular  summer  residents  of  our  State. 

704.  CATBIRD  (Dumetella  carolinensis.) 

This  slate  colored  bird  is  familiar  everywhere  in  South 
Dakota.  It  is  named  from  its  catlike  danger  note,  and,  like  the 
Brown  Thrasher,  is  a  lover  of  thorns  and  thickets.  It  is  the 
nearest  relative  of  the  Mocking  Bird.  While  the  Catbird  is 
known  better  for  its  catcall  than  for  its  song,  it  is  really  a  fine 
singer,  and  has  been  pronounced  our  most  accurate  songster  by 
musically  trained  bird  students.  Being  a  mocker,  its  song  is 
a  medley  of  other  birds'  notes,  which  often  deceives  the  unmusi- 
cal bird  lover.  One  will  sometimes  come  upon  the  male  in  a 
deep  thicket  practicing  his  song  in  an  undertone  with  closed 
eyes.  The  finest  song  one  of  the  authors  ever  heard  from  this 
mocker  was  given  from  the  midst  of  a  low  bush  in  a  pouring 
rain. 

705.  BROWN  THRASHER  (Toxostoma  rufum.) 

The  Brown  Thrasher  is  a  familiar  summer  resident  in 
every  part  of  the  State.  It  is  a  bird  of  the  underbrush,  the 
plum  thicket,  the  brushpile,  and  the  thistle-bestrewn  pasture.  Its 
tail  is  noticeably  long — about  as  long  as  its  rusty  body.  Al- 
though they  are  quite  in  keeping  with  the  thorny  places  which 
the  bird  loves,  its  yellow  eyes,  skulking  manner,  and  threatening, 
hissing  notes,  make  the  impression  on  one  that  the  bird  is  un- 
warrantably concealing  something.  But  the  impression  is 
wholly  inconsistent  with  the  bird's  character,  which  is  in  every 
way  excellent.  Its  real  nature  flows  forth  in  its  song,  which  is 
sung  from  the  highest  tree  tops,  and  is  a  musical  performance 
of  real  merit,  which  often  continues  intermittently  for  half  an 
hour. 

FAMILY  TROGLODYTID;E.  WRENS 

715.     ROCK  WREN  (Salpinctes  obsoletus  obsoletus.) 

A  common   summer  resident  in  South  Dakota  from  the 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  131 

Missouri  River  westward.  Larger  than  our  well  known  House 
Wren  and  of  paler  plumage.  The  general  color  is  grayish  mixed 
with  black,  very  little  of  the  cinnamon  brown  showing  on  the 
rump.  It  nests  in  the  rocky  bluffs  of  rivers  and  badlands. 

72 la.     WESTERN  HOUSE  WREN  (Troglodytes  aedon  parkmani.) 

A  small  bird  about  five  inches  long.  Above,  brownish 
gray  with  narrow  black  bars.  Below,  lighter. 

This  is  the  common  Wren  that  comes  familiarly  about  our 
homes,  and  is  always  active  and  always  singing.  The  Wrens 
will  build  a  nest  in  any  sort  of  house  that  is  made  for  them, 
and  a  second  home  will  generally  secure  their  second  brood. 
They  are  exceedingly  useful  in  destroying  insects.  The  song 
of  the  Wren  with  its  cheery,  gurgling  melody,  is  always  welcome 
in  the  spring. 

722.     WINTER  WREN  (Nannus  hiemalis  hiemalls.) 

Probably  only  a  summer  resident.  The  smallest  of  our 
Wrens.  Above,  dark  brown,  irregularly  barred  with  black  and 
white.  Below,  brown;  sides  and  belly  barred  with  black. 

724.     SHORT-BILLED  MARSH  WREN  (Cistothorus  stellaris.) 

A  common  resident  in  the  marshes  of  the  eastern  and 
southern  parts  of  the  State.  Its  nest,  which  is  a  hollow  ball  of 
grasses  entered  from  the  side,  is  lashed  to  the  rushes.  Ere  the 
female  arrives  from  the  south  the  male  has  built  several  "cock 
nests,"  hoping  that  she  will  choose  one  of  them.  The  House 
Wren  shows  similar  habits  when  he  carries  a  few  twigs  into  sev- 
eral bird  houses. 

Slightly  smaller  than  the  House  Wren  and  more  or  less 
streaked  with  white  on  the  back;  sides  rusty. 

725d.     PRAIRIE  MARSH  WREN  (Telmatodytes  palustris  iliacus.) 

A  summer  resident  wherever  sloughs  or  marshes  abound 
in  the  State.  One  inch  longer  than  No.  724.  Above,  streaked 
with  black,  mixed  with  brown  and  white.  Below,  white,  washed 
with  rusty. 


132  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH   DAKOTA 

FAMILY  CERTHIID^E.  CREEPERS 

726.  BROWN  CREEPER  (Certhia  familiaris  americana.) 

A  regular  winter  resident.  A  small,  slender  bird  slightly 
larger  than  a  Wren ;  brown,  lightly  streaked  with  whitish.  It  is 
seen  creeping  up  tree  trunks,  usually  in  spirals.  In  gathering 
food  it  goes  from  tree  to  tree,  alighting  on  the  trunk  near  the 
ground  and  leaving  it  after  reaching  the  branches. 

FAMILY  SITTID;E.   NUTHATCHES,  CHICKADEES 

Nuthatches  are  represented  in  South  Dakota  by  two 
species,  both  winter  residents.  Chickadees  are  represented  by 
two  species,  both  annual  residents.  They  are  an  interesting 
group  to  study  in  their  natural  habitat  and  take  kindly  to  arti- 
ficial feeding  during  the  winter. 

727.  WHITE-BREASTED  NUTHATCH  (Sitta  caroimensis  carolinensis.) 

Common  in  winter,  frequently  remaining  all  summer  and 
nesting.  Ashy  gray  above,  white  below,  with  a  black  cap  ex- 
tending low  on  the  neck.  The  unpracticed  observer  must  be 
careful  not  to  confuse  this  bird  with  the  Chickadee.  Both  are 
ashen  color,  but  the  Nuthatch  is  a  chunky,  flattish  bird.  His 
favorite  position  is  head  downward  on  a  tree  trunk,  and  he  gath- 
ers his  food  going  downward  rather  than  upward. 

728.  RED-BREASTED  NUTHATCH  (Sitta  canadensis.) 

A  winter  visitant,  somewhat  irregular  in  the  southern  part 
of  the  State.  Smaller  than  the  preceding,  with  a  black  line 
through  the  eye  and  reddish  under  parts. 

731.     TUFTED  TITMOUSE  (Baeolophus  bicolor.) 

During  the  fall  of  1920  Mr.  R.  A.  Morgan  of  Vermillion 
had  many  opportunities  of  observing  this  interesting  little  bird 
at  his  feed  box. 

In  its  established  range  the  Titmouse  is  a  resident  but 
probably  only  a  straggler  here.  However,  it  may  be  looked  for 
in  the  southern  part  of  the  State. 

Slightly  larger  than  the  Chickadee,  it  may  be  distinguished 
from  the  latter  by  a  gray  crest.  Above  it  is  ashy  gray,  below, 


WOOD  THRUSH  ON  NEST 


YELLOW-BILLED  CUCKOO  ON  NEST 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  133 

whitish  with  brown  on  sides.     Forehead  black.     Nests  in  old 
Woodpecker  holes. 

735.     CHICKADEE  (Penthestes  atricapillus  atricapillus.) 

A  permanent  resident,  and  one  of  our  most  charming 
small  birds.  Ashen  body,  lighter  on  under  parts  and  cheeks; 
black  cap  and  throat.  Nuts  and  suet  quickly  entice  it  to  a  food 
box  in  winter  and  an  excavation  made  in  an  old  tree  trunk 
will  often  induce  it  to  nest  in  summer.  Its  most  common  note 
is  "chi-dee-dee-dee."  On  warm  winter  days  it  utters  a  "phoebe" 
note,  which  leads  many  to  confuse  it  with  a  Flycatcher  by  that 
name. 

735a.     LONG-TAILED  CHICKADEE  (Penthestes  atricapillus 
septentrionalis.) 

A  winter  resident  in  the  Black  Hills  and  northward.  Simi- 
lar to  the  preceding  but  tail  longer.  General  appearance  paler 
and  lighter. 

FAMILY  SYLVIID^:.  KINGLETS 

We  see  the  Kinglets  only  in  migration.  They  are  no 
larger  than  Wrens,  and  their  greenish  gray  plumage  attracts 
little  attention.  Both  species  migrate  at  the  same  time  and  are 
frequently  found  together.  They  are  scarcely,  distinguishable 
to  the  ordinary  observer,  as  their  brilliant  crown  patches  are 
nearly  overlaid  with  other  feathers.  They  are  very  active  birds, 
flitting  through  trees  like  Warblers  in  search  of  food.  Their 
general  color  is  olive  green. 

748.  GOLDEN-CROWNED  KINGLET  (Regulus  satrapa  satrapa.) 

The  male  has  crown  with  heart  of  orange.  The  orange 
is  encircled  by  yellow,  and  the  yellow  by  black.  The  crown  of 
the  female  is  yellow. 

749.  RUBY-CROWNED  KINGLET  (Regulus  calendula  calendula.) 

The  size  of  a  Wren,  olive  green  above,  lighter  below.  The 
male  has  a  ruby  patch  on  the  crown,  but  it  is  usually  overlaid 
with  greenish  feathers. 


134  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH   DAKOTA 

FAMILY  TURDID^:.  THRUSHES,  BLUEBIRDS 
i 

The  Thrush  family  is  well  represented  in  South  Dakota, 
as  indeed  in  all  parts  of  the  United  States.  It  is  preeminently 
the  singing  family  among  birds ;  and,  as  though  one  superb  gift 
was  enough  for  one  family,  its  members  are  clothed  in  modest 
colors. 

754.  TOWNSEND'S  SOLITAIRE  (Myadestes  townsendi.) 

A  summer  resident  of  the  Black  Hills.  One  was  taken 
July  24,  1911  by  S.  S.  Visher. 

Size  of  the  Kingbird.  Above,  ashy  brown ;  wings  and  tail 
darker,  outer  tail  feathers  edged  with  white ;  below,  light  gray. 

755.  WOOD  THRUSH  (Hylocichla  mustelina.) 

The  Wood  Thrush  is  not  widely  distributed  over  the 
State,  but  is  a  common  resident  in  the  southeastern  corner.  Its 
upper  parts  are  bright  cinnamon  brown;  its  under  parts  pure 
white  freely  speckled  with  roundish  black  spots.  It  must  not 
be  confused  with  the  Olive-backed  Veery  and  Gray-cheeked 
Thrushes,  all  of  which  are  smaller  and  more  olivaceous.  They 
are  not  readily  distinguished  from  each  other  but  together  form 
a  numerous  group  in  migration.  They  do  not  nest  within  the 
State.  Neither  must  the  Wood  Thrush  be  confused  with  the 
Brown  Thrasher,  which  is  similar  in  color,  but  has  a  curved  bill, 
yellow  eye  ring,  long  tail,  and  skulking  manner. 

The  Wood  Thrush  is  a  thoroughly  lovable  bird,  with  neat 
form,  graceful  movements,  and  frank,  open  manner.  They  come 
freely  about  our  homes  and  often  place  their  nests  in  the  trees 
of  our  yards,  though  ordinarily  preferring  a  wooded  ravine  if 
free  from  bird  enemies.  This  Thrush  is  one  of  our  best  singers. 
Its  bell-like  notes,  uttered  with  marked  pauses,  are  heard  at 
morning  and  evening  and  on  cloudy  days,  the  bird  usually  perch- 
ing on  some  low  branch  as  it  sings.  The  song  rivals  that  of  the 
Hermit  Thrush,  but,  unlike  the  Hermit,  it  brings  its  melody  to 
our  door  instead  of  requiring  us  to  go  to  the  deep  forest  to 
hear  it. 

756.  VEERY  (Hylocichla  fuscescens  fuscescens.) 

This  Thrush  migrates  in  company  with  the  Olive-backed 
and  Gray-cheeked  Thrushes,  and  is  not  easily  distinguishable 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  135 

from  them  by  the  ordinary  observer,  though  more  rufous  in  color. 
In  this  three-fold  migrating  company  the  Olive-backed  is  by 
far  the  most  numerous  and  dominates  the  group  to  such  an  ex- 
tent that  the  other  two  are  apt  to  pass  unobserved.  The  breed- 
ing range  of  the  Wilson  Thrush,  as  this  bird  is  called,  is  north 
of  South  Dakota  in  our  longitude. 

756a.     WILLOW  THRUSH  (Hylocichla  fuscescens  salicicola.) 

This  Thrush  is  found  among  the  lower  willowy  portions 
of  the  Rockies,  and  is  named  from  this  fact.  It  is  quite  common 
in  migration  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State,  and  may  be  found 
nesting  by  the  willow  lined  streams  of  the  Black  Hills.  It  is 
about  the  same  size  as  the  Gray-cheeked  and  Olive-backed 
Thrushes,  but  the  upper  parts  are  more  russet.  It  is  similar  to 
the  Wilson  Thrush  in  coloration. 

757.     GRAY-CHEEKED  THRUSH  (Hylocichla  aliciae  aliciae.) 

The  ordinary  observer  will  with  difficulty  distinguish  this 
bird  from  the  Olive-backed  Thrush.  It  is  about  the  same  in 
size  and  coloration,  except  that  its  eye  ring  is  whitish  instead 
of  buff,  and  its  cheeks  are  gray  instead  of  yellowish.  It  migrates 
through  South  Dakota  to  its  northern  nesting  home  about  the 
same  time  as  the  Olive-backed,  and  few  are  aware  that  more 
than  one  species  is  passing. 

758a.     OLIVE-BACKED  THRUSH  (Hylocichla  ustulata  swainsoni.) 

This  Thrush  is  very  abundant  in  the  southeastern  part  of 
the  State  in  spring  migrations.  At  Vermillion  it  fairly  takes 
possession  of  the  town,  being  seen  for  a  few  days  in  every  yard. 
A  week  or  more  is  often  required  for  the  whole  procession  to 
pass.  Sometimes  it  is  mistaken  for  the  Wood  Thrush;  but  it 
arrives  earlier,  is  a  little  smaller,  and  decidely  more  olivaceous. 
The  white  breast  is  not  pure  white  and  luminously  spotted  like 
that  of  the  Wood  Thrush,  but  has  an  olivaceous  wash,  with 
rather  obscure  and  more  blended  spots. 

759b.     HERMIT  THRUSH  (Hylocichla  guttata  pallasi.) 

Seen  only  as  stragglers  in  migration  in  the  eastern  part  of 
the  State,  arriving  about  ten  days  earlier  than  the  other 
Thrushes.  It  has  been  observed  by  the  authors  for  several  years 


136  BIRDS  OF  SOUTH  DAKOTA 

but  never  certain  as  to  its  identity.  On  April  20,  1920,  a  dead 
bird  was  found  by  Miss  Bertha  Nagle  of  Vermillion,  which 
proved  to  be  a  Hermit  Thrush.  On  close  examination  they  can 
be  easily  separated  from  the  abundant  Olive-backed  Thrush  by 
the  reddish  brown  tail  and  absence  of  any  buff  on  breast  and 
sides  of  neck.  In  size  they  are  about  the  same. 

761.     ROBIN  (Planesticus  rnigratorius  migratorius.) 

Few  people  think  of  the  Robin  as  a  Thrush.  He  is  just 
"the  Robin"  to  us — one  of  the  common  people,  a  good  neighbor, 
a  dependable  friend,  a  thoroughly  substantial  bird  citizen. 

The  Robin,  however,  is  the  typical  Thrush,  the  most 
highly  developed  of  them  all.  Everything  about  this  exceedingly 
satisfactory  bird  might  well  be  characterized  by  the  one  word, 
substantial — its  colors,  its  song,  its  nest,  its  young,  its  friend- 
ship, its  prowess.  Robins  are  found  all  over  our  State  in  sum- 
mer, and  in  the  southeastern  part  loose  flocks  not  infrequently 
remain  all  winter.  Indeed  in  our  coldest  winters  flocks  of 
twenty  or  more  have  been  seen  on  the  University  campus  and 
in  the  wooded  ravines  at  Vermillion. 

The  Robin  is  the  first  bird  in  the  migrating  procession  to 
arrive  from  the  south.  Even  after  his  lusty  song  has  been  heard, 
snowstorms  are  not  infrequent.  At  such  times  half  a  dozen  may 
often  be  seen  in  the  top  of  a  maple  feeding  on  the  swelling  buds. 

761  a.     WESTERN  ROBIN  (Planesticus  migratorius  propinquus.) 

A  summer  resident  in  the  Black  Hills  and  Harding  County. 
Similar  to  the  preceding  but  there  is  no  white  on  the  tail  feath- 
ers. Feeding  and  nesting  habits  the  same. 

766.     BLUEBIRD  (Sialia  sialis  sialis.) 

The  Bluebird,  sometimes  called  Wilson's  Bluebird,  is  a 
close  companion  of  the  Robin  in  its  spring  arrival  in  the  north 
and,  like  the  Robin,  occasionally  winters  in  South  Dakota. 

Length  seven  inches.  Male:  above,  bright  blue;  throat 
and  breast  reddish  brown;  lower  belly  white;  female:  paler,  both 
above  and  below. 


LIST  AND  DESCRIPTION  137 

MOUNTAIN  BLUEBIRD  (Sialia  currucoides.) 

This  exquisite  bird,  sometimes  called  Arctic  or^Rocky 
Mountain  Bluebird,  belongs  to  the  mountains  and  the  intermoun- 
tain  plateaus.  It  is  found  within  the  State,  therefore,  only  in 
:he  Black  Hills  and  in  the  badland  areas.  It  lacks  the  chestnut 
breast  of  its  eastern  cousin  and  is  of  a  lighter  blue.  On  seeing 
this  bird  for  the  first  time  one  goes  into  transports  of  delight. 
It  is  like  a  winged  bit  of  sky  from  the  snow  crowned  peaks 
where  the  sky  is  purest.  And,  as  though  to  accentuate  its  beauty, 
it  has  a  delightful  habit  of  poising  like  a  Hummingbird  on 
wing  while  watching  for  insects  in  the  grass. 


BIBLIOGRAPHY 


140  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

BIBLIOGRAPHY 


The  following  books,  bulletins,  pamphlets,  reprints  and 
magazine  articles  comprise  those  that  the  reader  will  find  most 
helpful  in  further  study  of  South  Dakota  birds.  The  authors 
have  found  C.  A.  Reed's  "Bird  Guide,  Land  Birds  East  of  the 
Rockies"  a  pocket  manual  helpful  for  identification  in  the  field ; 
Dr.  Elliott  Coues'  "Key  to  North  American  Birds"  indispens- 
able for  detailed  description;  Mr.  Frank  M.  Chapman's  "Color 
Key  to  North  American  Birds"  helpful  in  comparative  analysis, 
and  Farmers'  Bulletin  513,  entitled  "Fifty  Common  Birds  of 
Farm  and  Orchard,"  informing  as  to  food  of  birds. 

Audubon,  John  J., — The  Birds  of  North  America. 

Agersborg,  C.  S. — List  of  Birds  of  Southeastern  South 
Dakota.  The  Auk,  1885. 

Anderson,  Rudolph  M., — The  Birds  of  Iowa.  Davenport 
Academy  of  Science,  1907,  Davenport,  Iowa. 

Bailey,  Bert  Heald— The  Raptorial  Birds  of  Iowa.  1918. 
Iowa  Geol.  Surv. 

Beal,  F.  E.  L.,— Some  Common  Birds  Useful  to  the 
Farmer.  U.  S.  Bur.  of  Biol.  Survey,  Farmers'  Bull.  630,  1915, 
Washington,  D.  C. 

Beal,  F.  E.  L.  and  W.  L.  McAtee— Food  of  Some  Well 
Known  Birds  of  Forest,  Farm  and  Garden.  U.  S.  Bur.  of  Biol. 
Survey,  Farmers'  Bulletin  506,  1915,  Washington,  D.  C. 

— Fifty  Common  Birds  of  Farm  and  Orchard.  U.  S.  Bur. 
of  Biol.  Survey,  Farmers'  Bulletin  513,  1913,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Coues,  Elliott — Key  to  North  American  Birds.  1903,  two 
vols. 

Chapman,  Frank  M. — Color  Key  to  North  American  Birds. 

D.  Appleton  and  Co.,  New  York. 
—The  Travels  of  Birds,  D.  Appleton 

and  Co. 

—A  Bird  Book  for  Teachers.     D.  Ap- 
pleton and  Co. 

— The  Warblers  of  North  America.   D. 
Appleton  and  Co. 


BIBLIOGRAPHY  141 

— Handbook  of  Birds  of  Eastern  North 

America.    D.  Appleton  and  Co. 
— Bird  Life.     D.  Appleton  and  Co. 

Grinell,  G.  B.— List  of  Birds  Collected  as  Zoologist  With 
Custer  Expedition,  1874. 

Graves,  B.  H.  and  Ernest  P.  Walker — Birds  of  Wyoming. 
University  of  Wyoming,  1913. 

Hayden,  F.  V. — List  of  Birds  Collected  in  Territory  That 
Is  Now  South  Dakota  in  1857-1860.  U.  S.  Geological  Survey. 
Washington,  D.  C. 

Holmes,  Charles  E. — Birds  of  the  West.  Hammond  and 
Stephens  Co.,  1907,  Fremont,  Neb. 

Jones,  Sheridan  R. — List  of  Birds  of  Rosebud  Indian  Res- 
ervation. S.  D.  Geol.  and  Nat.  Hist.  Survey,  Bull.  No.  4,  1908, 
pp.  139-142,  Vermillion,  S.  D. 

McAttee,  W.  L.  and  F.  E.  L.  Beal — Some  Common  Game, 
Aquatic  and  Rapacious  Birds  in  Relation  to  Man.     U.  S.  Bur. 
of  Biol.  Survey,  Farmers'  Bulletin  497,  1916,  Washington,  D.  C. 
.  McChesney,  C.  E. — Birds  of  the  Coteau  des  Prairies.  For- 
est and  Stream,  1871. 

Roberts,  Thos.  S. — Winter  Birds  of  Minnesota.  Geol.  and 

Nat.    Hist.    Survey    Minn.,    1916, 
Minneapolis,  Minn. 

— Water  Birds  of  Minnesota.  State 
Game  and  Fish  Com.,  Minneapo- 
lis, Minn. 

Reagan,  Albert  B. — List  of  Birds  Seen  on  the  Rosebud  In- 
dian Reservation.  S.  D.  Geol.  and  Nat.  Hist.  Survey,  Bulletin  No. 
4,  1908,  pp.  154-164,  Vermillion,  S.  D. 

Reed  Charles  A. — Bird  Guide,  Land  Birds  East  of  the 
Rockies.  Doubleday,  Page  and  Co.,  New  York. 

Stephens,  T.  C. — Notes  on  the  Birds  of  South  Dakota, 
With  a  Preliminary  List  for  Union 
County.  Proc.  Iowa  Academy  of  Sci- 
ence, XXV,  1918. 

—Red  Phalarope  in  South  Dakota.    Wil- 
son Bulletin,  XXVIII,  1916,  p.  92. 


142  BIRDS    OF    SOUTH    DAKOTA 

Tullsen,  H. — My  Avian  Visitors.    The  Condor,  May-June, 
1911,  p.  89. 

Visher,  Stephen  S. — List  of  the  Birds  of  Western  South 

Dakota.    The  Auk,  April,  1909,  p. 
144. 

— An  Annotated  List  of  the  Birds  of 
Sanborn  Co.  South  Dakota.  The 
Auk,  Oct.,  1913. 

'—List  of  Birds  of  the  Pine  Ridge  In- 
dian Reservation.  S.  D.  Geol.  and 
Nat.  Hist.  Survey,  Bulletin  No.  5, 
pp.  109-121,  1912,  Vermillion,  S.  D. 

— List  of  Birds  of  Harding  County.  S. 
D.  Geol.  and  Nat.  Hist.  Survey, 
Bull.  No.  6,  pp.  68-87,  1914,  Ver- 
million, S.  D. 

— List  of  the  Birds  of  Clay  County, 
Southeastern  South  Dakota.  The 
Wilson  Bull.  No.  91,  June  1915. 

— South  Dakota  Geological  and  Natur- 
al History  Survey,  Bulletin  No.  8, 
1918,  pp.  68-108,  Vermillion,  S.  D. 


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